Special Needs Estate Planning in Maine

Protecting Your Loved One’s Future — with Dignity and Support

Planning for a Lifetime of Care

When you have a loved one with a disability, your estate plan needs to do more than transfer assets — it needs to preserve their care, independence, and eligibility for essential benefits. At Paul O. Dillon Attorney at Law, we help Maine families create thoughtful, legally sound plans that offer peace of mind for the years to come.



Whether your child needs lifelong support or you're caring for an adult with disabilities, we’ll guide you through every step.

Protect Benefits. Provide Lifelong Support.

Why Special Needs Planning Matters

Without the right legal structures, well-intended gifts or inheritance can unintentionally disqualify your loved one from SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. Special Needs Trusts and related planning tools ensure that your loved one continues to receive care, services, and support — without financial disruption.


You’ve been their advocate. Let your plan continue that care when you no longer can.

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How We Help

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1. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)

We create flexible, compliant trusts that provide supplemental care without impacting benefits. These trusts can be funded now or through your estate.
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2. Third-Party vs. Self-Settled Trusts

We help you choose the right structure — whether using your own assets or those of the individual with special needs (such as a settlement).
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3. Benefit Eligibility & Protection

We help you coordinate planning with SSI, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs to preserve long-term support.
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4. Stand-Alone or Sub-Trust Integration

We design trusts to work independently or within your broader estate plan or living trust.
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5. Caregiver Coordination & Trustee Education

We offer resources and guidance for the people you designate to manage care, finances, and decisions on your behalf.
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6. Long-Term Financial Planning Tools

We help estimate future care costs and recommend life insurance or savings strategies to fund the trust over time.

Our Process

We’re here to listen — Schedule a consult today.

Effective special needs planning starts with understanding — your family, your goals, and your loved one’s unique needs. Here’s how we guide families across Maine:

People
  • We begin with the people you care about — your child, sibling, or loved one with special needs. We talk about their care, abilities, and support network so your plan reflects their life, not just their diagnosis.
Property
  • Next, we review the resources that may fund the trust — from life insurance and savings to inheritances or settlement funds. We help identify what can be protected and how to best structure ownership.
Plans
  • Finally, we walk you through trust options, eligibility rules, and legacy goals. Whether building a stand-alone Special Needs Trust or integrating into your broader estate plan, we create a strategy that safeguards care and benefits for years to come.
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FAQs

  • What’s the difference between a Support Trust and a Special Needs Trust?

    A Support Trust can disqualify someone from public benefits. A properly structured Special Needs Trust won’t interfere with SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

  • Can a Special Needs Trust be used for daily expenses?

    Yes — for supplemental expenses like therapy, education, dental care, personal items, and recreation, depending on benefit guidelines.

  • Who should be the trustee?

    You may choose a family member, friend, or professional trustee. We help you understand the responsibilities and pick the right fit.

  • Can I fund the trust with life insurance?

    Absolutely. Many families use life insurance policies to fund their Special Needs Trusts after they’re gone.

  • Do I need to include this in my will or trust?

    Yes. We can create a stand-alone trust or build it into your living trust or estate plan.

  • What happens when my child passes away?

    Third-party trusts can distribute remaining assets to other heirs. Self-settled trusts may require payback to the state for benefits received.

Calculating Your Loved One’s Future Financial Needs

Planning for the lifetime care of a loved one with special needs involves more than legal documents — it means understanding and preparing for the real financial demands ahead.


Use this trusted tool to estimate care costs and plan ahead with confidence:

Special Needs Calculator – Merrill Lynch

This calculator can help you project future expenses based on your loved one’s expected care, living situation, and support needs.

Special Needs Resource Center

Support Goes Beyond Legal Planning

When you're caring for a loved one with special needs, staying informed is just as important as having a plan. Our Special Needs Estate Planning Resource Center offers trusted tools, educational links, and ongoing support for families navigating care, benefits, and long-term planning.

Visit the Resource Center

Start the Conversation


Let’s build a plan that safeguards your child’s future — with the same love, intention, and care you’ve always given them.