A Wisconsin Irrevocable Trust Agreement Setting up Special Needs Trust for Benefit of Multiple Children is a legally binding document that establishes a trust to provide financial support and protection for children with special needs. This type of trust is designed to ensure that the children's inheritances are safeguarded and appropriately managed, while still allowing them to maintain eligibility for government assistance programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Key features of a Wisconsin Irrevocable Trust Agreement for Special Needs Trust include: 1. Multiple Beneficiaries: This trust allows for the inclusion of multiple children with special needs as beneficiaries. Each child will have their own share of the trust assets, which can be customized based on their individual needs. 2. Irrevocability: This type of trust is irrevocable, meaning that once it is established, it cannot be altered or revoked without the consent of all parties involved. This ensures that the assets within the trust are protected and cannot be misused or mismanaged. 3. Special Needs Planning: The trust agreement will include specific provisions to address the unique needs of each child, such as medical expenses, educational support, housing, and other necessary services. These provisions are tailored to provide appropriate care and support throughout the beneficiaries' lifetimes. 4. Preservation of Benefits Eligibility: One of the primary goals of a Special Needs Trust is to preserve the beneficiaries' eligibility for vital government assistance programs. By gifting assets into the trust, these assets are not counted towards the child's eligibility for means-tested programs, thus allowing them to maintain access to healthcare, disability benefits, and other support services. Types of Wisconsin Irrevocable Trust Agreement for Special Needs Trusts for Benefit of Multiple Children may include: a) First-Party Special Needs Trust: This type of trust is funded with the assets of the beneficiary, such as funds from a personal injury settlement or an inheritance. It contains a payback provision, which means that upon the beneficiary's death, any remaining funds in the trust are used to reimburse Medicaid for benefits received. b) Third-Party Special Needs Trust: This trust is funded by assets belonging to someone other than the beneficiary, such as parents or grandparents. It does not have a payback provision, which allows the remaining funds to be distributed to other beneficiaries or charitable causes upon the beneficiary's death. c) Pooled Special Needs Trust: This type of trust is managed by a nonprofit organization and combines the assets of multiple beneficiaries. Pooled trusts are beneficial for families who may not have large enough assets to establish an individual trust. The funds are managed collectively, but separate sub-accounts are maintained for each beneficiary. A Wisconsin Irrevocable Trust Agreement Setting up Special Needs Trust for Benefit of Multiple Children offers families a crucial tool for ensuring the long-term financial security of their loved ones with special needs. By creating a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique requirements of each child, families can provide ongoing support and protection, while still allowing their children access to necessary governmental assistance programs.