As a professional trustee, Northwest Trustee provides knowledgeable administration of Settlement Trusts and First Party Special Needs Trusts. With over 35 years of experience, our team understands the legal, financial, and emotional considerations involved, and we work closely with beneficiaries, families, caregivers, and advisors to ensure that trust assets are managed responsibly and distributed in a way that supports the beneficiary’s long-term well-being. With personalized service and deep fiduciary expertise, we provide peace of mind that each beneficiary’s financial future is in trusted hands.

 

What is a First Party Special Needs Trust?

A First Party Special Needs Trust (SNT) is often established when an individual has experienced a severe injury and receives a financial award through litigation or a private settlement. Funds placed in a properly drafted First Party SNT are not considered a countable resource for purposes of qualifying for means-tested public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. A First Party SNT is designed to supplement means-tested benefits and can pay for items such as additional caregiving needs, specialized therapies, service animals, and accessible modification for a home or vehicle. A Trustee of a First Party SNT must carefully administer the trust in accordance with its terms to avoid jeopardizing the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits. 

 

What is a Settlement Trust?

A Settlement Trust is a type of support trust designed to manage and safeguard funds awarded through a legal settlement or judgment, typically in personal injury, medical malpractice, or wrongful death cases. Most individuals who have a Settlement Trust aren’t eligible for means-tested public benefits but may still need the support of a trustee to manage and preserve their funds prudently.

 

We are Personal

We tailor our services to meet each client’s unique circumstances, which may include home visits, income collection, bill payment, property maintenance, detailed reporting, tax preparation, budgeting, professional assessments, and other support as needed.

Our team is experienced in supporting a wide range of clients—from young children to older adults—and in addressing the unique needs of individuals living with physical, developmental, and mental disabilities, as well as those navigating the challenges of chemical dependency.

 

Our Trustee Services Include

  • Direct communication
    Access to a dedicated, local relationship team by phone, email, text, video call, or in person with you, your family, legal representatives, and other professionals.
  • Investment oversight
    Management of a highly qualified third-party financial advisor to ensure prudent stewardship of trust assets.
  • Professional coordination
    Engagement of care managers, caregivers, benefits specialists, attorneys, tax professionals, and other service providers.
  • Financial and legal compliance
    Preparation of fiduciary tax returns and required court accountings.
  • Major purchases
    Assistance with the purchase of a vehicle or home.

Why Choose Us

  • Highly responsive relationship team — no call centers, no endless transfers
  • We have a dedicated local point of contact who knows your story and responds quickly when you need support.
  • Personal, not transactional
  • We focus on building genuine relationships, not just completing tasks.
  • Decades of expertise
  • Proven track record in administering Special Needs and Settlement Trusts with expertise, compassion, and a deep understanding of unique client needs.
  • Independent, non-custodial trustee
  • Serving your best interests with complete objectivity, free from the conflicts that can arise when investment management and trust administration are tied together.
  • Regulated financial institution
  • Providing the security, oversight, and accountability that comes with strict regulatory standards.
  • Skilled in complex family dynamics
  • Navigating sensitive relationships and diverse beneficiary needs with discretion, empathy, and practical solutions.
  • Collaborative care management
  • Engaging professional care managers to assess each beneficiary’s needs, from benefits eligibility and IEP reviews to broader social and socioeconomic support.
  • Family partnership
  • Working closely with loved ones to coordinate support for the beneficiary’s well-being.