Special Needs Financial Planning: Smart Advice For Families Coping With Disabilities
By Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes
Care and Caregiving Fees in Special Needs Trust Planning
This issue of The Voice® is by SNA member Rebecca Kueny of Kueny Law LLC. Located in Salem, Oregon, her firm covers the entire state of Oregon and focuses on special needs planning, disability benefits, estate planning, long-term care planning, and more.
Turning 65: Changes to Consider for Individuals with Special Needs
When a family member approaches age 65, there are often significant changes to benefits and supports. In addition, there are opportunities that can offer future benefits to your loved one that need to be addressed, some before your loved one turns 65. What services may be changing? What do family members need to know? To help prepare for this transition, we have highlighted some of the top considerations.
Recommended Books for the Special Needs Community: If You Could Take A Pill To Become Typical, Would You?
This issue of The Voice® was prepared by SNA member Laurie Hanson, with Northwoods Law Group, P.A., in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The firm focuses on issues specific to aging and clients living with a disability and serves clients based in the twin cities and throughout the state, including populations in Grand Marais and the Walker/Brainerd lakes area.
Understanding and Navigating the Caregiver Shortage
The caregiver shortage is a growing problem for people with disabilities, older adults, and those that support them. Quality of life and care are often significantly compromised for all care partners. This article strives to answer the questions - how did we get to this point? And what can you do if you need caregiving help?
The Benefits of Using a Corporate Trustee
This issue of The Voice® is by SNA member Thomas Smith of Thomas Smith Law Firm in Hot Springs, AR. Thomas provides special needs planning and estate planning for families throughout the state of Arkansas.
Special Needs Alliance Announces Passing of the Special Needs Trust Improvement Act of 2022
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, is proud to have advocated for and supported the recent passing of the Special Needs Trust (SNT) Improvement Act of 2022. "We are thrilled that the Special Needs Trust Improvement Act was signed into [...]
What to Know When Your Child With Disabilities Turns 22
On the heels of a child with special needs’ biggest milestones becoming an adult at eighteen (18) comes the next and arguably more challenging milestone – life after turning twenty-two (22). What services end? What do parents and guardians need to know? To help prepare for this transition, we have highlighted some of the top considerations.
Fixing a Broken Trust
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Catherine Wilson of McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson, Wilson & Hinkle, PLLC, which is located in Durham, North Carolina and serves the areas of Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and beyond. Catherine focuses on estate planning, special needs planning, guardianships, taxation law, and trust and estate litigation.
Pursuing a Temporary 504 Plan
Your school age child may benefit from the institution of a temporary 504 Plan to help them better succeed at school. But is that a possibility? If so, what does that process look like? Read more to help answer those and other questions.
Other Protective Arrangements
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Jacob Menashe of Hickman Menashe, P.S. in Lynnwood and Bellevue, Washington. Serving clients in the greater Snohomish and King County areas and throughout Washington, the firm works with their clients on legal concerns related to elder law and estate planning. Jacob was assisted by a former associate of his firm, Sage Graves Slugić, now practicing at Graunke Ayoub Law in Seattle, Washington.
Special Needs Alliance Announces its 2022-2023 Board of Directors and Officers
Tucson, AZ – November 3, 2022 –The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), the national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, has announced its 2022-2023 Board of Directors. “As we mark the end of SNA’s 20th anniversary celebrations, we proudly welcome a new board of directors,” said SNA Executive [...]
Special Needs Trusts and Trust Protectors
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Johanna Pickel, of Johanna A. Pickel LLC located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her firm focuses on compassionate and thoughtful planning for every stage of life – wills, trusts, special needs trusts, Medicaid and VA compliant trusts, probate and trust administration.
The Top 5 Things to Know When Your Child With Disabilities Turns 18
The eighteenth birthday of a child with special needs marks the beginning of significant changes regarding the benefits and services they can receive. While there are many things to consider, we have outlined the top five to help you prepare for your child’s major milestone.
Tax Considerations When Moving to Another State
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Hyman Darling, who is a member of the law firm Bacon Wilson, PC, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Serving the Springfield area for more than 125 years, the firm provides legal services in a number of areas including special needs, estate planning and long-term care planning.
Adopting a Child With Special Needs by Fostering First
Even under the best circumstances, the decision to adopt a child with special needs is not easy for any parent. The legal costs and red tape can feel daunting. Where do I start the process? Where do I look for resources? What do I do?
Legal Document Inventory for Individuals Engaged in Supported Decision-Making Arrangements
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Richard Kroll with Kroll Law Firm, LLP in Rochester, NY. His firm focuses on trusts and estates, elder law, special needs planning and guardianships for greater Rochester, and seven county surrounding areas.
Government Programs for Children With Special Needs
For parents of a child with special needs, the support and resources needed can feel overwhelming. The Special Needs Alliance is a national alliance of attorneys for special needs planning.While some resources vary by state, there are government programs that can help alleviate some of the most urgent issues. The following provides an overview of the most popular offerings.