Special Needs Law in October and All Year Long
October is National Special Needs Law Month, and Christenson Johnson, LLC offers numerous services and resources to clients who are planning for loved ones with special needs.
The attorneys of Christenson Johnson, LLC provide clients comprehensive planning for individuals with special needs, including the following services:
- Preparing special needs trusts to suit an individual’s needs and circumstances
- Advising families regarding ABLE accounts
- Helping individuals with powers of attorney for health care, finances, and education
- Counseling individuals and families regarding public benefits based on disability, such as Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare
- Assisting clients obtain court-appointed guardians and conservators
- Advising trustees and fiduciaries who serve individuals with special needs
And the Christenson Johnson attorneys are actively building their skills in the areas of special needs law, to stay current in the ever-changing fields of law related to trusts, special needs, and public benefits. For example, this month, Barbara Hughes and Mark Johnson will participate in the National Conference on Special Needs Trusts and Special Needs Planning, sponsored by Stetson University, in St. Petersburg, Florida. At the conference, Barbara Hughes will present a session to attorneys new to the practice of special needs law about how to successfully advise clients and build a strong practice in this area of law.
Also, in the upcoming weeks and months, Iris Christenson, Mark Johnson, and Barbara Hughes will share informational sessions about special needs trusts and ABLE accounts with area parent groups and financial professionals.
Finally, to provide a sampling of resources for clients and the general public, we share the following links for resources and information related to legal, financial, and supportive services for individuals with disabilities.
NAELA—National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, which includes client-focused information regarding issues related to special needs planning for individuals of all ages.
Special Needs Alliance—Excellent information for families is available, and you can sign up to receive the free electronic newsletter, The Voice. Christenson Johnson attorney Barbara S. Hughes is one of three Wisconsin members of this invitation-only organization of attorneys from across the United States.
WisPACT—Wisconsin Pooled and Community Trusts, which administers special needs trusts for individuals throughout Wisconsin.