Session I – Empowering Families Through Special Needs Planning – Thomas V. Sannicandro
In this continuing legal education session for attorneys, I plan to cover essential tools and strategies to assist lawyers in guiding families through the complexities of planning for clients with disabilities. We’ll explore best practices for drafting customized special needs trusts, wills, and other estate planning documents in a cost-effective manner, while ensuring compliance with regulations to preserve eligibility for government benefits. Drawing from my extensive legal and advocacy experience, I’ll provide insights on financial safeguards, key legal considerations, and resources for supporting adult transitions, equipping fellow practitioners with practical knowledge to enhance client outcomes and professional efficiency.
Key topics to be discussed:
- First-party supplemental needs trusts
- Third-party supplemental needs trusts
- ABLE accounts
- Power of attorney and healthcare directives
Session II – Planning for Two Lifetimes: Create Financial Confidence for You and Your Family (or your client’s) – Michael Ringel
This session focuses on the unique financial planning challenges faced by families with a member who has special needs. Attorney Michael Ringel will guide participants through strategies to plan for two lifetimes: that of the parents and their loved one with special needs. Attendees will learn how to establish and fund Special Needs Trusts, coordinate government benefits with personal financial planning, and ensure longterm care, independence, and lasting financial security for the entire family.
Key topics to be discussed:
- Planning for two lifetimes: Parents and their child with special needs
- Understanding and funding a special needs trust
- Coordinating government benefits with personal planning
- Ensuring long-term care, independence, and financial security
Session III – Strategic Financial Planning for Disability Benefits: Navigating ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts – Jennifer Mclnerney
Planning for the financial future of individuals with disabilities can be complex, especially when balancing eligibility for critical public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. This session will explore how ABLE accounts and special needs trusts (SNTs) can serve as effective planning tools. While SNTs remain a longstanding option, ABLE accounts offer a streamlined alternative, now available to a wider age range following the SECURE Act 2.0 of 2022. The session will also address how these tools can complement one another in certain circumstances to maximize financial security.
Key topics to be discussed:
- Comparing ABLE accounts and special needs trusts
- Coordinating financial planning with government benefits
- Understanding reporting obligations and compliance
Closed-captioning available