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When we go to a hospital, we trust that everyone in our family, no matter their abilities, will be heard and understood. For families with loved ones who are deaf or hard of hearing, that trust was recently put to the test. In September 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with McLaren Health…
Written by Robert Nickerson Setting up a Special Needs Trust (SNT) is one of the most powerful ways California families can protect a loved one with disabilities. But creating the trust is only half the job; you also need to choose the right trustee or administrator. The trustee manages the money, protects eligibility for Medi-Cal…
If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you’ve probably spent time working with the Regional Center to get services and support. But did you know there’s a program that gives you more freedom to choose how your child’s support is provided? It’s called the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and it could be a great…
If you’re caring for a loved one with special needs, you understand how crucial it is to protect their access to healthcare and government benefits. With California set to reinstate Medi-Cal asset limits in 2026, many families are asking the same questions: Will this impact our special needs trust? And what steps should we take to…
What if the professional you’ve entrusted to safeguard your child’s special‑needs inheritance is secretly draining it dry… right under your nose, while you’re living under a different state’s laws? This isn’t fiction; it happened in Florida, and it should terrify every California parent preparing a trust. I’ve been in this profession long enough to know…
Planning legal support for a loved one with developmental disabilities can feel confusing—but understanding your options is the first step toward peace of mind. In this informative webinar, Jeffrey C. Nickerson, Esq. of Nickerson Law teams up with Go Bananas to guide families through the differences between Limited Conservatorships, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Health…
Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this informative webinar, Jeffrey C. Nickerson, Esq. of Nickerson Law teams up with Go Bananas to walk families through the essentials of Special Needs Trusts. Learn how to protect government benefits, plan long-term care, and…
Written by Robert T. Nickerson In 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This increase helps retirees and beneficiaries manage inflation and serves as a reminder to review your estate plan for financial alignment. Understanding the 2025 COLA Increase The COLA is…
Written by Robert Nickerson When it comes to estate planning, many people feel like it’s something they can set it aside to come back to later. “Oh, it’s not that important.” “We’re not gonna die for a while.” “We don’t talk about those things yet”. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard this before. But the…
Preserving Family Traditions Through Estate Planning Written by Robert Nickerson Holidays are about family, laughter, and the traditions that tie us together—Grandma’s famous pie recipe, the annual ornament exchange, or the antique clock that’s been in the family for generations. But what happens to those cherished traditions and heirlooms when life changes? Without a plan,…