Making Special Needs Trusts Last
By Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA When a personal injury victim receives a settlement, one of the biggest post-settlement problems is making the money last. If the plaintiff is receiving means-tested public benefits, the monies must be put in a Special Needs Trust. How long do the beneficiary and other family members need that money…
The Future of the Practice of Law
By Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA A Virginia State Bar Association appointed a study committee on the future of the practice of law. Perhaps New Jersey should do the same. A draft copy of the final report is interesting reading. The committee identified a number of external forces affecting the practice of law: Advances in…
What Blended Families Should Know About Estate Planning
By Thomas D. Begley, Jr. Esquire, CELA CASE STUDY 1: SIMPLE WILLS INADEQUATE TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM PREVIOUS MARRIAGES Andy (age 77) and Maureen (age 75) are in a long-term second marriage. Andy has two children from a previous marriage, Alexis (age 50) and Kit (age 48). Maureen also has two children from a previous…
Lien Resolution In Personal Injury Cases
By Thomas D. Begley, Jr. Esquire, CELA When a personal injury settlement is being finalized, consideration should be given to resolving a number of liens. It is good practice to obtain information on the existence and amount of these liens early in the process, because this information may be helpful in settlement negotiations. The types…