Special needs planning starts with an analysis of the public and private supports available to address the conditions of the person with special needs. Starr Traiger then determines what will be required in order to achieve or retain eligibility for those supports. Our team works directly with individuals and with the parents or guardians of persons who cannot represent themselves to gain access to and retain eligibility for benefits such as SSDI and SSI, Medicare and MassHealth, private and subsidized housing, VA benefits, and miscellaneous additional supports.

Comprehensive planning for the entire family

Planning to address the special needs of an individual requires not only proper planning for the resources of the individuals themselves but also proper estate planning for the parents and other family members of that person where appropriate. Where benefits are threatened due to the receipt of an inheritance or a personal injury award, Starr Traiger will work with the individual and family to evaluate the options and insure the development of the most appropriate plan.

Starr Traiger prepares both self-settled (first-party) and third-party special needs trusts to protect and manage assets for persons with special needs and provides guidance to and advocacy for the trustees. We work with families and agencies to facilitate the funding of pooled trusts and ABLE accounts. Our attorneys collaborate with care managers to identify appropriate care providers and housing options in order to assure the well-being of the person with special needs not only for today but also for tomorrow.