If your client receives means-tested government benefits, especially Medicaid or SSI, you must understand special needs trusts. Learn the difference between a first-party and third-party trust and why the first question usually asked is "Whose money will go into the trust?"
Understand the funding and tax issues and when to get the court involved in the establishment of an SNT. Ensure that your client will not lose government benefits when he or she receives money, even if it is a relatively small amount.