Administering the California Special Needs Trust: A Guide for Trustees and Those that Advise Them (Fourth Edition) Paperback – January 21, 2026

Administering a special needs trust (SNT) is one of the most important roles a person can take on. It often profoundly impacts the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The trustee is frequently the only person actively safeguarding the beneficiary’s well-being, making this role significantly more complex than most traditional trusteeships.This Fourth Edition of Administering the California Special Needs Trust is a must-have guide for anyone responsible for managing an SNT. Nationally recognized special needs planning attorneys Kevin Urbatsch and Michele Fuller provide comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible guidance for family members, professional fiduciaries, attorneys, and advocates.Written in a clear, easy-to-follow question-and-answer format, this updated edition addresses the most critical and frequently encountered issues trustees face—especially those unique to California law.This fully revised edition includes:New SSA rules regarding food and shelter support—how to avoid reducing SSI benefits under updated guidelinesNew Section 8 guidance concerning making distributions that do not interfere with housing benefitsCalifornia-specific updates on OBRA ’93 Special Needs TrustsNew legislation and policy changes affecting trust administrationExpanded sample forms and updated checklists to streamline trustee dutiesImproved organization and readability for faster reference and understandingReal-world guidance on distributions, fiduciary obligations, and beneficiary advocacyFeaturing contributions from leading professionals:Jessica Jones, Robert Nuddleman, Heather Fisher, Michael Walther, Scott MacDonald, Daniel Cutter, Evelyn Wynn, and George Yehilevsky contribute their expertise to enhance the depth and practicality of this edition.Whether you are a professional trustee or family member stepping into this vital role, this book will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to administer a special needs trust effectively—and with compassion.Empower yourself to protect what matters most. Read more