Q. If my child receives government benefits, will an inheritance jeopardize those benefits?

A. It may. The answer depends on how the inheritance was left to your child. If the donor left the money to a special needs trust, then the inheritance will likely not jeopardize the benefits if the trust was drafted properly. If the donor left the money directly in your child’s name, it would likely prevent your child from receiving any further benefits unless he or she establishes a special needs trust. You should consult a special needs attorney to discuss all your options.