Top Merrifield, VA Special Needs Trust Lawyers Near You
Special Needs Trust Lawyers | Serving Merrifield, VA
Helping clients with all of their Trusts needs.
Special Needs Trust Lawyers | Serving Washington Metro, VA
Experienced Estate Attorney Serving Northern, VA
Free Consultation
9681 Main St, 2nd Floor, Unit D, Fairfax, VA 22031
7330 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 201, Gainesville, VA 20155
8000 Towers Crescent Drive, 14th Floor, Tysons Corner, VA 22182
1800 Tysons Blvd., Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102
124 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 630, Vienna, VA 22182
950 Herndon Pkwy, Suite 430, Herndon, VA 20170
1650 Tysons Blvd, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22031
8444 Westpark Drive, Suite 510, McLean, VA 22102
8001 Braddock Rd, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151
12110 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 600, Reston, VA 20190
4000 Legato Road, Suite 1100, Fairfax, VA 22033
277 S Washington St, Atrium Building Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314
8245 Boone Blvd, Suite 550, Vienna, VA 22182
125 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
1602 Village Market Blvd SE, Suite 225, Leesburg, VA 20175
110 North Royal St, Suite 575, Alexandria, VA 22314
9300 West Courthouse Road, Suite 306, Manassas, VA 20110
11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 300, Reston, VA 20190
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1100, McLean, VA 22102
5680 King Centre Dr, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22315
31 S Second St, Warrenton, VA 20187
6564 Loisdale Ct, Suite 600, Springfield, VA 22150
4084 University Drive, Suite 202A, Fairfax, VA 22030
Merrifield Special Needs Trust Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Merrifield
Lead Counsel independently verifies Special Needs Trust attorneys in Merrifield and checks their standing with Virginia bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust (SNT) provides financial support for people with physical or mental disabilities. Parents or family members generally set up an SNT to provide for their loved ones. However, people with special needs can set up their own trust. An SNT keeps the assets separate from the beneficiary’s property so they can still qualify for government programs like Medicaid and Social Security.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Trust and Estates Lawyer?
Most people think of a trust as something they only need to consider when they pass away. However, a trust can be something you can benefit from during your life and provide for your family after death. Trust planning can help manage property and assets, gain tax advantages, and avoid probate. You should consider a trust when you:
- Have significant financial assets or property
- Have family members with special needs
- Want to distribute assets to charitable groups or religious organizations
- Want to protect your privacy
- Need to preserve assets for minor children
- Have major life changes
How Can a Trust Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced lawyer can give you the backing you need to navigate the legal system and find the best possible results for your case. Because laws are different from state to state, speaking with a lawyer in Virginia is critical in understanding all the elements of your situation and making the best decisions when it comes to your estate planning. A trust lawyer can help with:
- Trust creation
- Asset management and protection
- Estate planning
- Trust administration
- Modification or termination of your trust
- Trust disputes and litigation
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Trust Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a trust lawyer, your assets will pass under Virginia probate laws. Probate can tie up your assets for months or years. If your beneficiaries are fighting over the assets, it can take longer and cost your estate money. With a trust, the property can pass outside of probate. You can also have more control over what happens to your estate after death. If you don’t have a trust, your loved ones may have to deal with:
- Estate taxes
- Delays in probate
- Fighting legal challenges over assets and property
- Property passing through intestacy
What Are the Top Questions When Choosing a Trust Lawyer in Merrifield?
These questions can help you decide if you feel confident that a lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your trust case. Many trust and estate lawyers offer consultations that allow you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What type of trust is most suitable for my situation?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of creating a trust?
- How can a trust be used to address my specific concerns or goals?
- What is the process for creating and funding a trust?
- How will the trust be administered?
- What are the potential tax implications associated with a trust?
- How much will all of this cost?
Tips for Hiring a Trusts Lawyer
Taking the time to find a lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests is an important first step in protecting your finances. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts