National Special Needs Law Month: New Rules for ABLE Accounts

October 12, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

National Special Needs Law Month: New Rules for ABLE Accounts By Jill Roamer, J.D., CIPP/US Special Needs Planning It's National Special Needs Law Month, let’s take a look at recent final regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The new regulations clarify rules regarding ABLE…

CMS Reacts to Oklahoma Law that Instills Five-Year Waiting List for Those with Special Needs

October 7, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

CMS Reacts to Oklahoma Law that Instills Five-Year Waiting List for Those with Special Needs By Jill Roamer, J.D., CIPP/US Special Needs Planning October marks the beginning of National Special Needs Law Month! Let’s start celebrating with some good news about an Oklahoma…

SSDI Waiting Period Eliminated for Individuals with ALS

October 4, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

SSDI Waiting Period Eliminated for Individuals with ALS By Jill Roamer, J.D., CIPP/US Special Needs Planning SSDI Waiting Period Eliminated for Individuals with ALS. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that is overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA).…

Special Needs Trusts – What You Need to Know

April 9, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

In general, a trust is created when property or assets are managed by a person or firm for another person’s benefit. The person or entity who manages the trust is known as the “trustee” and is entrusted with the responsibility…

How Can Estate Planning Address the Troubled Child?

January 9, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

Every family has one–or maybe more–black sheep. They’re people who march to their own drum and handing them an inheritance could be problematic.

Special Needs Plans Need Regular Reviews to Protect Loved Ones

November 30, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

Estate planning generally focuses primarily on lifetime protection and post-death distribution of assets. Special needs planning focuses primarily on the individual beneficiary’s lifestyle and care needs.

Possible Pitfalls for Special Needs Planning for Parents

July 21, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

Both the state and federal government, administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicaid provide disabled individuals with a variety of life enhancing, and sometimes life sustaining, public benefits.

10 Reasons Why You Need A Trust

May 17, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration, Special Needs Planning

10 Reasons Why You Need A Trust Christine Fletcher Contributor If your estate is not subject to estate taxes now, it may be in a few years. Clients often ask, “Why do I need a trust?” This question comes…

What Should I Know about Guardianship?

One of the key functions of the family law system is to ensure that children are looked after appropriately. This is the basis for the doctrine of legal guardianship.

How to Talk to a Parent Suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia during the Pandemic

We are at a critical time during the COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone is on edge, and being inundated with news headlines and new statistics, one population we should keep top of mind is our older friends and families, especially those with cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.