• Focus: Manages assets and health decisions both during life and after death. 
   
• Timing: Many documents (e.g., power of attorney, healthcare directive) can be effective during your lifetime. 
   
• Scope: Broader than a will, encompassing various documents and strategies. 
   
• Examples: Includes a will, trusts, powers of attorney (financial and healthcare), and healthcare directives. 
   
• Benefits: Can help protect assets and ensure your wishes are carried out during incapacitation and after death, including managing financial affairs and medical care. 

Special Needs Trusts

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal document that allows individuals with disabilties to receive income or assets such as inheritances or lawsuit settlements without losing eligibility for government benefits like SSI or Medicaid. The SNT must be managed by a trustee for the sole benefit of the disabled person, providing funds for special needs not covered by public assistance.