On December 7, 2016, the Senate approved the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, allowing competent individuals with disabilities to create their own special needs trusts.

Special Needs Trusts enable assets to be saved on behalf of people with disabilities, while protecting their eligibility for means-tested benefits. Programs such as...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Disability and Health Data System, 20.9% of all the adults living in California have a disability. That means the loved ones of 20.9% of all Californians may have to be especially thoughtful when crafting their estate plans.

Unfortunately, leaving as little as $2,001...