Money Goes Missing From Special Needs Trust for Disabled Girl in Florida
In March of 2025, NewsNation reported that about $250,000 from a special needs trust for a disabled girl in Florida had gone missing. This incident is a cautionary tale for any parent who wants to set up a special needs trust for their young one. While the underlying concept of a special needs trust is completely legitimate, parents must be extremely careful to avoid bad actors and fraudsters when providing for their disabled kids. An experienced estate planning attorney in North Palm Beach can help you set up a special needs trust the right way.
Disabled Girl in Florida Faces Financial Pressures After Trust Funds Go Missing
A 7-year-old girl is facing a difficult future in Florida after about $250,000 went missing from her special needs trust. Now, her mother says that she might end up in a group home. This story began when the girl had an allergic reaction that caused cardiac arrest and severe brain damage. The girl’s mother then filed a medical malpractice claim and successfully recovered approximately $250,000. In a genuine attempt to do the right thing, the mother put a considerable portion of this money into a special needs trust for her vulnerable child in 2023.
Today, she says much of that money is missing – with no real answers. The Florida Attorney General’s office has filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit responsible for these unexplained losses – but there are many unanswered questions to resolve. As this lawsuit continues, a representative from the AG’s office issued a stark warning to any other parents considering special needs trusts:
“Know that there are those throughout this state that want to make sure that we are protecting the most vulnerable and those that would take advantage of them need to be held accountable.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Florida parents have noticed missing funds from their special needs trusts. Throughout 2024 and 2025, numerous reports have surfaced detailing these scams – and families have lost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Be Extremely Careful When Selecting a Trustee for Your Special Needs Trust
These reports highlight the importance of careful trustee selection when establishing special needs trusts. This individual may be able to exercise considerable control over the trust funds. Even if someone seems extremely trustworthy, they may have no qualms about draining your disabled child’s financial safety net.
Can a Special Needs Trust Lawyer in North Palm Beach Help Me?
With an experienced special needs trust lawyer in North Palm Beach, you can confidently set up a foundation of financial support for your vulnerable child. While it might seem unthinkable that someone would take advantage of your child’s situation, you should never underestimate the potential for greed. Work with Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll to discuss your options in more detail – and create a special needs trust you can rely on.
Sources:
newsnationnow.com/us-news/southeast/family-demands-answers-after-hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars-goes-missing/
wfla.com/8-on-your-side/another-family-says-500k-vanished-from-disabled-teens-special-needs-trust/
