How to Leave Money for a Special Needs Child Without Jeopardizing Their Benefits
A well-meaning gift or inheritance can unintentionally disrupt a special needs child’s eligibility for government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Fortunately, there are effective estate planning tools that allow families to provide financial support while preserving those benefits. The key lies in using special needs trusts and other protected...
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Mental Illness or Misbehavior? Why the Distinction Matters for Parents
Compassionate Legal Planning for a Child’s Future
How to Tell the Difference: Mental Illness vs. Behavioral Problems
When a child exhibits concerning behaviors—such as mood swings, outbursts, or poor judgment—parents face a daunting question: Is this simply misbehavior, or a sign of...
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Special Needs Trusts in New York: 1st-Party vs. 3rd-Party SNTs
Understanding Special Needs Trusts
When planning for a child with a disability in New York, selecting the right type of Special Needs Trust (SNT) is crucial. The correct trust preserves eligibility for essential benefits like Medicaid and SSI, while allowing your child to receive financial support and...
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Can a Child with Disabilities Sign Legal Documents in New York?
Special Needs Legal Planning: Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney in NY
Understanding Legal Capacity in New York
When a child with a disability turns 18 in New York, they are legally considered an adult—regardless of cognitive ability. This transition can be both...
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Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts: Which One Is Right for Your Family?
Planning for a loved one with a disability means finding ways to provide financial support while protecting access to government benefits. The right approach allows them to maintain independence and security without jeopardizing programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Some families choose to set aside funds through a special needs...
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Wishing you a wonderful end of summer
Dear Clients and Friends
PLANNING FOR THE FALL. As we savor the last days of summer and look forward to the cooler days of fall, it's the perfect time to explore the city and enjoy all that the season has to offer. Whether you're planning to catch a
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What is a Special Needs Child?
People are frequently asking me - should I do a Supplemental Needs Trust for my child? In order to answer that question, I will need to know more details, of course.
DEFINITION: A “special needs child” is a vague classification, so what does it actually mean? A special needs...
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ABLE Accounts in New York
Many people know that New York City special needs planning attorneys help the parents and guardians of disabled children and adults with various estate planning issues, like establishing guardianships and special needs trusts. But in addition to a comprehensive estate plan, there’s an additional financial tool that many special needs parents aren’t aware...
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Understanding Special Needs Trusts
If you are the parent or grandparent of a minor or adult with special needs, you’ve likely heard people saying you need a special needs trust to protect them.
What is a special needs trust?
To understand a special needs trust, you first need to understand a trust in general. When people leave money to or...
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Why You Need a Power of Attorney Especially as a Special Needs Parent
A comprehensive estate plan in New York generally includes a Last Will and Testament (commonly known as a “will”), a trust (sometimes), a Living Will, a Health Care Proxy, and a Durable Power of Attorney.
What is a Power of Attorney?
In a nutshell, a power of attorney (“POA”) is a legal document where the maker...
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