272: Pooled Trusts 101: What Every Special Needs Family Should Know

When it comes to protecting a loved one with disabilities, few decisions are as overwhelming as choosing the right trustee. But in a world of nonprofit pooled trusts, legal jargon, and alarming headlines about financial misconduct, how do you separate peace of mind from potential pitfalls?

In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down everything you need to know about Pooled Special Needs Trusts, from how they work to when they make sense. I share hard-earned wisdom as both a lawyer and a special needs parent, guiding you through what questions to ask, how to vet your options, and why sometimes the best Trustee choice isn’t family, but a professional with heart and structure. You’ll walk away not just more informed, but more empowered.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What a Pooled Trust actually is, and who should consider one.

• The difference between First-party and Third-party Special Needs Trusts.

• What went wrong in the recent $100M nonprofit scandal (and how to avoid it).

• Why transparency, independence, and communication are non-negotiable.

 

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