PARENTS’ ESTATE PLANNING FOR PERSONAL INJURY VICTIMS
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA Personal injury victims frequently receive means-tested public benefits. They often establish Self-Settled Special Needs Trusts (SSSNTs) to hold the personal injury settlement, so that the settlement does not interfere with public benefits eligibility. However, it is important that parents not leave these children with disabilities monies as part of…
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…
MILITARY PENSIONS AND DISABLED CHILDREN
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA Historically, a member of the military could arrange for a pension and provide a survivor’s benefit to a spouse or child. A problem arose where the child had a disability and was receiving means-tested public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) or Medicaid. If the child with disabilities…
FAMILIES WITH A MEMBER WITH DISABILITIES MOVING TO A NEW STATE
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA It is always difficult to move from one state to another, but when a family member has disabilities there are a number of considerations that should be addressed as early as possible. Health Care. Establish a “safety net” well in advance. Research the doctors, therapists and other service providers…