How “Third-Party” Special Needs Trusts Differ From Other Trusts

Special needs trusts come in three main flavors — first-party special needs trusts, third-party special needs trusts, and pooled trusts. All three trust varieties are designed to manage resources for a person with special needs so that the beneficiary can still...

When It Comes to Taxes, Special Needs Trusts Are Not All Equal

Special needs trusts can be an invaluable tool for families that have a child with special needs. One often overlooked aspect of a special needs trust (SNT), however, is how the trust is taxed.  This consideration is important because the tax savings can be...

Your Medical Directive

Any complete estate plan should include a medical directive. This term may encompass a number of different documents, including a health care proxy, a durable power of attorney for health care, a living will, and medical instructions. The exact document or documents...

Study: Hiring Family to Care for Children With Disabilities

Children with disabilities need a high level of care, which can be difficult considering the fact that over 2 million health care jobs are unfilled. A recent study in Colorado showed that hiring family members as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can be an effective...

What Is an Elder Law Attorney?

Elder law attorneys are lawyers who specialize in helping seniors and individuals with special needs with a variety of legal issues. The specialty of “elder law” evolved in the 1980s as it became increasingly clear that the complicated legal issues...