Planning Tips When Confronted with a Terminal Illness
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.
Transferring Guardianship Between States
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.
A Short Primer on Trusts and Trust Taxation
This issue of The Voice® is a refreshed and updated version of an article that was written by SNA member Tara Anne Pleat, CELA of Wilcenski & Pleat of Clifton Park, NY, and SNA Emeritus member Barbara Hughes, who was formerly with Johnson Teigen LLC of Fitchburg, WI. The original article was posted in January 2012.
Tips for Navigating an IEP Meeting: A Guide for Parents & Guardians
For parents and guardians, we are providing tips and insights on navigating IEP meetings to advocate for their child with special needs. In addition to general tips, we will also discuss understanding IEP qualifications, common accommodations, and the benefits of having an advocate.
Sexual Abuse and Safety of Persons with Disabilities
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Kristen Lewis and Emma Barry of Bowden Law Firm in Atlanta, GA. The firm specializes in special needs and disability estate planning, trust and wealth transfer planning and administration, guardianship and conservatorship planning, and charitable gift planning.
Preparing Young Adults with Disabilities for College
Every parent experiences some anxiety as they prepare to send their child to college, but for parents of children with disabilities, those anxious feelings can grow exponentially. We are sharing some helpful tips to help allay your nerves and ease the transition process for both you and your child.
Tax Options for Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
This issue of The Voice® is by Sean R. Beck and Evan M.E. Barrett, who are colleagues of SNA member Charlene K. Quade of C.K. Quade Law, PLLC. Located in Boise, Idaho, the firm is dedicated to serving clients in communities throughout the state in the areas of special needs planning, settlement planning, Medicaid and long-term care planning, estate planning and disability and elder law.
Buying a House with a Third-Party Special Needs Trust and Medicaid Repayment
No Medicaid repayment is necessary upon the beneficiary’s death for third-party supplemental needs trusts. But what happens if the third-party trust purchases a home for the beneficiary, is it subject to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) one-third reduction rule? The following answers that question.
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 [...]