Program Details
2026-01-21 13:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-01-21 13:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm ESTThis session explores the fundamental differences between standalone and pooled special needs trusts, including how each serves individuals with disabilities. Attendees will learn about federal disability definitions, the role of nonprofit administrators in pooled trusts, and the economies of scale that benefit beneficiaries.
Ben Tiefenback
Joanne Marcus 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm ESTThis session distinguishes between means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid versus entitlement benefits such as SSDI and Medicare. Participants will gain practical knowledge about eligibility requirements, resource limits, and state-specific variations that impact benefits planning.
Ben TiefenbackJoanne Marcus 2:10 pm - 2:40 pm ESTAttorneys will learn critical strategies for structuring settlements to preserve clients’ public benefits eligibility. Topics include first party trust requirements, the age 65 rule, court order considerations, structured settlements, Medicare Set-Asides, and settlement preservation trusts for vulnerable individuals.
Ben TiefenbackJoanne Marcus 2:40 pm - 3:10 pm ESTThis session covers proactive and reactive estate planning approaches for clients with disabled beneficiaries. Attendees will learn how to draft discretionary language in wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that allow fiduciaries to establish pooled special needs trust accounts while avoiding Medicaid payback requirements.
Ben TiefenbackJoanne MarcusBen Tiefenback, Esq., is Counsel and Director of Client Services at Commonwealth Community Trust, a non-profit pooled trust administrator serving beneficiaries who are vulnerable or have a disability. His practice focuses on estate planning and trust creation and administration, with an emphasis on special needs trust planning.
Joanne Marcus, MSW, serves as the President and CEO of Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT), a non-profit pooled trust administrator serving beneficiaries who are vulnerable or have a disability. She is an expert in the field of Pooled Special Needs Trust administration.
Ben Tiefenback, Esq., is Counsel and Director of Client Services at Commonwealth Community Trust, a non-profit pooled trust administrator serving beneficiaries who are vulnerable or have a disability. His practice focuses on estate planning and trust creation and administration, with an emphasis on special needs trust planning.
Joanne Marcus, MSW, serves as the President and CEO of Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT), a non-profit pooled trust administrator serving beneficiaries who are vulnerable or have a disability. She is an expert in the field of Pooled Special Needs Trust administration.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
