How can my special needs child be cared for and have sufficient resources to maintain his quality of life?

It is critical that they are able to receive government disability benefits if necessary – especially if they are unable to work or live independently. For this reason, leaving them money directly can be problematic. A Special Needs trust is a powerful estate planning tool that can ensure that your child is eligible for government benefits, including SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance, or Medi-Cal while providing a valuable financial “safety net” to supplement public benefits and pay for items and services not covered by public benefit programs.

Click here for more information on Special Needs Trusts.

< More Frequently Asked Questions

My husband and I highly recommend Gilfix & LaPoll Associates for all your estate planning needs. We were very pleased to work with Mike Gilfix, who helped us with our living trust, wills, and health care directives. He was very personable, professional, and knowledgeable, and he walked us through the whole process, taking quite a lot of time to review and explain different options. At no time did we feel rushed or pressured.

After getting married, having two kids, and buying/selling two homes in the SF Bay Area, my husband and I finally turned our attention to getting our legal and financial affairs in order this past summer… and preparing for our children's future - especially to provide the structure to our wishes for our children's care and well-being in the event something should happen to us. Mike helped us do just that and more by asking us questions that encouraged us to not limit our creativity in the planning process. And, we had a good many hearty laughs along the way as we talked openly about some of the stickier issues of life. It was a great experience and we are so glad/relieved to have completed the initial planning phase for what we hope will be an enduring family legacy.

Beyond Mike, we were also impressed by the friendly, capable lawyers, and support staff at Gilfix & LaPoll Associates. The presentation/trust creation appointment and the signing off experience were smooth and easy. The office was professional & efficient, but not “stuffy.” They made a challenging endeavor so much easier to complete than we ever imagined. In fact, we would have done this sooner if I had known how helpful the people in this office would be!

Amy A.

8/23/2018

Our family has been using the firm of Gilfix and La Poll since 2013 when we decided we were not satisfied with our previous trust attorney. It is probably the best financial/legal decision we have ever made. Michael reworked our trusts giving us much better planning and Francis created a complex, yet financially beneficial real estate plan. Not only are they exceedingly skilled at what they do, they are a warm and welcoming law firm that truly cares about their clients. Recently we had to make some changes to our trust and Nick Klingenberg was our attorney of record. Add another outstanding lawyer to this firm! He has been simply fantastic in every area from communication to legal expertise. If you are thinking of making a trust or want to improve the one you have - look no further than Gilfix and La Poll. You will be very happy that you chose them.

Edward S.

1/11/2019

Had a fantastic experience with Mark Gilfix. He is knowledgable, experienced and a great communicator--was able to break down a thorny problem for me and my wife and provided us with a clear course of action. We'd absolutely recommend him to anyone needing help with estate planning!

Tim K.

1/11/2018

Nicholas Klingenberg, attorney at Gilfix, Lapoll and Associates was terrific to work with. He was thorough, patient to answer our many questions and a super wonderful person to work with. I would recommend him to everyone needing to develop a Trust and related documents feeling well protected and well served.

Karen W.

5/17/2018

Great attorneys, very thorough and very kind. They opened their home to my family and I when we came to establish our family trust.

rick l.

3/26/2018

How can my special needs child be cared for and have sufficient resources to maintain his quality of life?

The lawyers and staff of Gilfix & La Poll are available. We can still accommodate select in-person meetings, all phone meetings, and video conferences.