Special Needs Planning Attorney in Western North Carolina and North Georgia Regions

Protecting Your Loved One’s Future

Without Risking Their Benefits

Planning for a family member with disabilities requires thoughtful, strategic legal support. A well-meaning gift or inheritance, without the proper legal structure, can unintentionally disqualify your loved one from vital benefits like Medicaid or SSI.


At Blue Ridge Legacy Law, we help families across Western North Carolina and North Georgia Regions develop legal plans that protect both care and eligibility—so your loved one receives the support they need without compromise.



We’ll help you protect what matters—clearly, quickly, and confidently, with in-person and virtual appointments available.

Schedule Your Free 15‑Minute Consultation

How We Help Families Navigate Special Needs Planning

With deep experience in disability-related estate strategies, we guide families in Highlands, Cashiers, and across Western North Carolina and North Georgia through customized planning that balances benefits, support, and long-term protection.

Special Needs Trusts

We draft both first-party and third-party special needs trusts that preserve eligibility for SSI and Medicaid while offering supplemental care and financial stability.

Public Benefit Coordination

We help you understand how gifts, inheritances, and support affect public benefit eligibility—and how to plan around those risks.

Guardianship Alternatives

Not every situation requires full guardianship. We offer guidance on less restrictive legal tools, like powers of attorney and supported decision-making.

Letter of Intent Preparation

We help you document daily routines, care preferences, and goals—so future caregivers understand your vision, not just the law.

Customized Estate Plans

We ensure your entire estate plan—including wills and trusts—accounts for the needs of a family member with a disability.

Ongoing Legal Support

We provide regular plan reviews and updates as your family’s needs, or the law, changes.

Our Process – Focused on Clarity, Compassion, and Long-Term Security

Step 1

Free 15‑Minute Consultation

We begin with a call to understand your concerns and explain how we can help—no pressure.

Step 2

Educational Planning Session (First 45 Minutes Free)

Meet with Attorney Julie Upshaw for up to two hours. We begin with a 45-minute conversation that empowers you with clear, practical knowledge.

Step 3

Custom Special Needs Strategy

We create a plan tailored to your loved one’s needs—built to protect eligibility, ease future transitions, and offer lasting peace of mind.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes Julie Upshaw the right attorney for special needs planning in NC?

    Julie has specialized training in complex estate law and elder law, giving her the insight to manage both technical legal requirements and the emotional dynamics of long-term care planning.

  • What areas do you serve for special needs planning in NC?

    We work with families across North Carolian and North Georgia Regions. 

  • Can I name a sibling or relative as trustee?

    Yes. We help you evaluate options and choose the right trustee—whether a trusted relative, a professional, or both.

  • Will special needs planning affect my other children’s inheritance?

    Not if planned properly. We help create balanced estate plans that protect your child with disabilities while honoring your intentions for all beneficiaries.

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plan@brlegacylaw.com

Planning Now Means Peace Later

Give your loved one the future they deserve—without added risk or red tape.

Let’s design a thoughtful, protective special needs plan that gives you peace of mind and ensures your family member has lifelong support.