I have inherited money. I'm retired & need to supplement my SS Benefit, not plan an Estate. What type of lawyer do I need?

Question

I have inherited money. I'm retired & need to supplement my SS Benefit, not plan an Estate. What type of lawyer do I need?

Anonymous Nov 6, 2015 2 views 2 answers

I am a widow who receive SS Benefits, food stamps & Medicaid. My husband passed away leaving me with no life insurance & a high amount of dept (which is impossible to pay back). I cannot have the money in my name, I am afraid it will be seized. I don't even have a bank account. I have 2 children that I trust to hold & use the money for me. The money is in a Trust for me in New York & I now live in Hawaii. The trust account will stay open until the end of 2015. The trust states that the money can only come to me (not directly to my children) I am not interested in a Trust for my children or setting up an Estate at this point in time. I own nothing. I need the money for myself so my children do not have to support me as I age.

Joseph Pippen · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T16:29:34+00:00

Estate Planning attorney would be your best bet but a good financial planner would be a great asset to help plan your investments to maximize your income. You need documents like power of attorney, health care surrogate etc to prevent a major disaster from happening without a plan in your life.

Gregory Jensen · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T16:29:34+00:00

You should consider using a Medicaid Trust. These are tricky and it's easy to lose out on your inheritance if you don't have drafted correctly. See an experienced Elder Law attorney who routinely drafts approved Medicaid Trusts. Good Luck, Greg J

I have inherited money. I'm retired & need to supplement my SS Benefit, not plan an Estate. What type of lawyer do I need?

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