Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney for Special Needs Adults: What’s the Difference?
When you’re caring for an adult with special needs in New York, you may be faced with the decision whether a guardianship or a power of attorney offers the right level of support. A guardianship gives someone legal authority to make decisions for an adult who cannot manage personal or financial matters....
Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney for Special Needs Adults: What’s the Difference? Continue reading…
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...
How to Leave Money for a Special Needs Child Without Jeopardizing Their Benefits Continue reading…
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...
Mental Illness or Misbehavior? Why the Distinction Matters for Parents Continue reading…
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...
Special Needs Trusts in New York: 1st-Party vs. 3rd-Party SNTs Continue reading…
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...
Can a Child with Disabilities Sign Legal Documents in New York? Continue reading…
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...
Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts: Which One Is Right for Your Family? Continue reading…
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
Wishing you a wonderful end of summer Continue reading…
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...
What is a Special Needs Child? Continue reading…
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...
ABLE Accounts in New York Continue reading…
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...
Understanding Special Needs Trusts Continue reading…