Irrevocable Trust Attorney in Greensboro, NC

Asset Preservation & Long-Term Care Planning for Guilford County Families

An irrevocable trust is a legal arrangement in which the grantor transfers assets to the trust and gives up direct control over them. Unlike a revocable trust, it generally can’t be changed or undone after creation. That loss of control is the point: it’s what can make the trust effective for Medicaid planning, asset preservation, and long-term care cost management.

Families across Greensboro and Guilford County typically reach this question when they’re facing long-term care costs, protecting assets for a loved one with a disability, or planning around potential estate tax exposure. At Law Offices of Cheryl David, we handle irrevocable trusts as part of a practice that also covers Medicaid planning, elder law, and trust administration, so the trust document and the planning questions surrounding it don’t have to be handled separately.

If you’re thinking through long-term care costs or asset preservation, we’re ready to help. Call us at (336) 717-0375 or reach out online to schedule an appointment, including virtual options.

How Irrevocable Trusts Work for Medicaid & Asset Preservation

When assets are placed into a Medicaid irrevocable trust, the grantor gives up access to the principal. Because the grantor no longer controls those assets, they may not be counted in a Medicaid eligibility determination. That “may” matters: the timing of the transfer, the amount of assets moved, and what remains outside the trust all affect whether and when a person might qualify for benefits.

North Carolina Medicaid applies a five-year lookback period. Assets transferred to an irrevocable trust within five years of a Medicaid application may trigger a penalty period during which the applicant is ineligible for benefits. Planning carefully around that window is one of the most consequential parts of this work.

Compliance doesn’t end at signing. Depositing monthly income such as Social Security or pension checks directly into the trust, or using trust funds outside the trust’s terms, can undermine the trust’s protective purpose and may jeopardize Medicaid eligibility. Once the trust is established, its terms require strict adherence and generally can’t be changed by the grantor. In an emergency, there are lawful procedures for accessing trust principal, and those situations should always involve attorney guidance with complete documentation.

Why Greensboro Families Work with Law Offices of Cheryl David

Our firm has served North Carolina families since 2000. Founder Cheryl K. David built this practice around estate planning, elder law, and probate, bringing more than 30 years of legal experience to the kind of planning families can’t afford to get wrong. That foundation continues to shape how we work with clients today.

Our credentials include membership in the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and affiliation with the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. The firm holds a BBB A+ rating, and attorney Blaire McClanahan holds a Super Lawyers Rising Star 2025 designation.

We don’t treat an irrevocable trust as a standalone document. We help clients understand how the trust fits into their broader situation, including Medicaid timing, long-term care planning, and ongoing trust administration, so there are fewer surprises later and a clearer picture of what the plan actually does. Virtual appointments are available, and free parking is offered at our office.