Question: We have a brother with special needs — a documented intellectual disability — who works full time and does not receive benefits. Our father just died and we have money coming, but he did not include our brother in his estate plan.  Are we legally able to set up a trust from our inheritance for the benefit of our brother?

Answer: Because your father’s estate did not leave any money to your brother, you and your siblings will be able to establish a third-party special needs trust with some of your inheritance in order to take care of your brother, even though he doesn’t receive government benefits.  If your brother had received an inheritance directly, a parent, grandparent, guardian or court would have to establish a first-party special needs trust to hold his money.

Write a comment:

You must be logged in to post a comment.

© 2019 MATTHEW L. MERCER | Attorney at Law

15 Franklin Street
Westerly, RI 02891
Tel: 401.315.2702
Fax: 401-315-2703
E-mail: mlm@matthewmercerlaw.com
logo-footer

STAY CONNECTED WITH US:      

Disclaimer: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer / client relationship.