Seeking inpatient mental health treatment can be daunting, especially when considering the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Whether the individual is a minor or an adult, understanding the complex legal issues involved in assisting a loved one get the help they need is crucial in making informed decisions.
This issue of The Voice® is co-authored by SNA members Jennifer Crane of Odin, Feldman, Pittleman, in Reston, Virginia, and May-Lis Manley of Landsman Law Group, in Rockville, Maryland.
Transitioning a loved one with developmental disabilities to a long-term care (LTC) facility is a challenging process. The search process can feel daunting due to concerns surrounding the quality of care, financial aspects, and the individual's adjustment to new routines. Additionally, if you are the individual's guardian or family member, you may also need to face the task of choosing between permanent placement and the possibility of multiple transitions. Thorough planning can help reduce those concerns.
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Rachel Trafton, Esq. of Maine Elder Law Firm LLC in Bangor, Maine. The firm focuses exclusively on the legal needs of aging Mainers and people with disabilities, including special needs planning, long-term care planning and estate and trust administration.
Powers of attorney are critical when you have an older child with special needs. If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you likely have grown accustomed to making medical, educational, and legal decisions on behalf of your child as a minor. When your child turns 18 and becomes a legal adult, your legal authority ends as your child’s parent. However, when your adult child has special needs, they may still need significant assistance in making these types of decisions or may be unable to make them altogether. Whatever your family’s situation may be, a special needs attorney can assist you in determining whether powers of attorney are right for you and your family.
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Thomas Begley, CELA of Begley Law Group in Moorestown, New Jersey. His firm specializes in special needs planning, special needs trusts, guardianship, and estate planning.
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Emily Taylor of Emily Taylor Law in Phoenix, Arizona. Her firm specializes in special needs planning, guardianship and alternatives, and estate planning.
When you are the parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities, planning for your child’s future starts early. One top consideration for your loved one as they age is planning for their long-term care. Read what to consider when embarking on the planning process.
Planning for the future can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time carefully to plan now, you can ensure a smooth transition later.
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Carol Wessels of Wessels & Liebau, LLC in Mequon, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in long-term care planning, estate planning for parents of special needs children, special needs trusts, guardianship and more.
Of the many life challenges and circumstances that can potentially disrupt the life of a child with special needs, divorce is undoubtedly one of the most difficult situations to contend with. While the rate of divorce remains lower for couples with a child with special needs, the stress and added responsibilities on parents can lead [...]
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Jennifer Crane of Odin, Feldman, Pittleman PC in Reston, Virginia. The firm serves Northern Virginia and metropolitan Washington DC in the areas of trusts & estate planning and special needs planning.
TUCSON, AZ, October 24, 2023 - The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), the national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, has announced its 2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors. Incoming SNA President Amy C. O'Hara, CELA, expressed her deep commitment to the organization: "Becoming President of the SNA is [...]
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Meghan Teigen, Esq. of Johnson Teigen, LLC in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in special needs planning, estate planning, elder law, and estate and trust settlement.
It's not uncommon for parents of adult children with special needs to have their children live with them rent-free or charge them a small amount for rent. When that amount is under the fair market value of the area, are the child's SSI payments affected?
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Nicola Melby of McCarthy Summers Wood Norman Melby & Schultz, PA in Stuart, FL. The firm serves Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties in Florida in the areas of elder & special needs law, estate planning, guardianship, and wills & trusts, and more.
Moving is one of the most stressful things that anyone can do, let alone helping someone who has special needs move. Different states have different rules that may further complicate a move involving a person who is under guardianship.