While hiring a lawyer to create trust is not required, working with a special needs planning attorney is in your best interest. They can help you understand the terms of the trust, and they can help you create a trust that is most helpful to the beneficiary. One of the purposes of a special needs trust is to provide the beneficiary with funds without making them ineligible for government-funded programs. So, your lawyer can help you develop a trust that keeps your loved one qualified for these government benefits.