Special Needs Planning with Compassion and Clarity

When you have a loved one with special needs, estate planning takes on an entirely different level of care. At Newman Law Group, we help families across California—including those in Tustin, Orange County, and Northern California—create special needs estate plans that provide financial security, maintain eligibility for public benefits like Medi-Cal and SSI, and ensure long-term care and advocacy.

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Planning for a Lifetime of Support

Special needs planning isn’t just about assets—it’s about people. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or guardian, your goal is the same: to provide for your loved one without disrupting the critical public benefits they rely on. Unfortunately, a traditional inheritance can disqualify a person from Medi-Cal or SSI. That’s why working with a qualified special needs planning attorney is essential.


At Newman Law Group, we help families throughout California—including those in Tustin, Irvine, and surrounding communities—create comprehensive plans that support a disabled individual’s financial, housing, and caregiving needs—today and into the future.

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What’s Included in a Comprehensive Estate Plan

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Why It Matters

Without proper planning, a loved one with disabilities may lose access to programs they rely on. Our goal is to make sure your support doesn’t come at the cost of essential care.

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Understanding Special Needs Trusts

We help you choose the right type of trust—Third-Party or First-Party—to hold assets while preserving eligibility for government benefits.



Visit our Special Needs Trusts in California page.→

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Balancing Benefits with Support

We guide families on how to use ABLE accounts, SNTs, and tailored strategies to provide supplemental care without violating income or asset limits.



Learn how ABLE accounts compare to trusts in our Special Needs Trust vs. ABLE Account page.→

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Planning for Guardianship & Advocacy

From naming successor trustees to writing letters of intent, we help families document care preferences and appoint future advocates.

If you’re a parent of a child approaching adulthood, see our Planning for an Adult Disabled Child] page. →

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Special Needs Trust and why would I need one?

    A Special Needs Trust holds assets for a person with disabilities without disqualifying them from benefits like Medi-Cal or SSI. It allows you to provide additional support legally.

  • Can my disabled child or sibling inherit property?

    Yes, but only through a structured plan. Inheriting outright could jeopardize benefits. We design trusts to prevent that.

  • What happens if no plan is in place?

    The court may intervene and assign conservatorship or guardianship. Public benefits may be lost. Planning avoids crisis decisions.

  • Are there options beyond trusts?

    Yes—ABLE accounts, care directives, conservatorship planning, and letters of intent all support your long-term goals.

Personalized Plans. Practical Guidance.

Your Loved One Deserves a Secure Future

Special needs estate planning requires thoughtful attention to both the legal and human aspects of care. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—from setting up Special Needs Trusts to coordinating long-term support and advocacy. Don’t leave it to chance. Let us help you create a plan that truly honors your loved one’s future.