Written by Jill Roamer J.D.  A First-Party Special Needs Trust (SNT) and a Third-Party Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) are used when a beneficiary would like access to extra funds without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits. Let’s review some key differences between these trusts. The First-Party SNT is irrevocable and is used when the assets…

Written By Robert T. Nickerson ​Ever since Britney Spears hit the news recently when she was declared independent, conservatorships have been getting more attention. This is nothing new. In fact, conservatorships are much more common then we think. Their not just something for celebrities to use when their not in the right mental mind to…

Written by Jill Roamer, J.D. & Marcheasa Minium, J.D.  Trusts are certainly not the most perspicuous of legal inventions, but they can be a critical part of any family with a loved one with special needs. Experienced professionals understand the nuances of the various types of trusts available, what language is necessary, and which trust…

Written by Robert Nickerson ​It’s February, which means that for a lot of people, love is in the air. Valentines Day is more then a sweetheart’s day. It’s become something like Christmas to show how much effort we put into the people we love. This is why the holiday isn’t restricted to couples; I’ve seen…

Written by Robert T. Nickerson ​The theater and Broadway world was saddened by the news of which acclaimed composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim, had finally lowered the curtains to life when he passed away from cardiovascular disease on November 26th, 2021. He was 91 years old. His legacy was richly filled with his work such as A Funny…

Written by Jill Roamer, J.D.  The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) did many things. It implemented new whistleblower protections, changed the annuity rules, allowed states to vary premiums and cost-sharing for Medicaid benefits, and instituted the “Money Follows the Person” rule. But the heavy hitters of the DRA were the modifications of the look-back…

Written by Jill Roamer, J.D. Dean and Patricia were married for more than 50 years. In early 2017, Dean entered a nursing home. Patricia, acting as Dean’s authorized representative, executed the residency agreement with the nursing home. About six months later, Patricia filed an application for Medicaid benefits on Dean’s behalf. It was denied and…

Written by Jill Roamer J.D.  Even in the beginning stages of the pandemic, advocates for nursing homes and other care facilities warned of staff shortages. And their trepidations have come true. Just last month, AARP reported that 30% of nursing homes they surveyed were experiencing staff shortages. Sadly, the report also showed that there were more than…

Written by Jill Roamer J.D.  Ride-share companies, such as Uber, have boomed in recent years. Anyone needing a ride can simply make a few clicks on their smartphone or computer and a car shows up to take them to their destination. Very convenient! Folks with disabilities have also benefited from Uber’s services. A customer can…

Written by Robert T. Nickerson The public notion on those with special needs that also have service animals is continuously evolving. Many businesses and even mobile apps like uber have become more friendly towards those that need a service animal with them at all times. The downside is that with more attention also leads to…