Ruder Ware's Elder Law Team Recognizes National Special Needs Law Month - Part 2
Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) protect assets for individuals with disabilities while preserving eligibility for public benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Establishing an SNT early allows for long-term financial planning,...more
Estate planning is a crucial process for anyone looking to protect their family and assets, but for families with a loved one who has special needs, it requires additional considerations. Without proper planning, a...more
Careful planning for a loved one with disabilities is one of the most important and compassionate acts you can take as a parent or caregiver. It’s not just about securing their financial future, it’s about preserving their...more
As the chair of the Elder Law Practice Group, I see a lot of issues that the firm’s clients encounter in their personal lives. As we begin the new year, I thought it appropriate to write about the areas of our practice that...more
People often assume that if their estate isn’t taxable, they don’t need to have an estate plan. In 2024, a Massachusetts estate tax return must be filed if the value of the deceased person’s gross estate exceeds $2 million. A...more
As AI increasingly becomes part of our everyday lives, individuals and families are exploring the use of AI programs to prepare estate plans. The answer to whether AI can be used for this purpose is, of course, yes. AI...more
You may be thinking about setting up a trust to protect your assets, save on estate taxes, or perhaps set aside money for a special needs family member. Before you commit to a plan, make sure you understand the differences...more
Major changes to the “kiddie tax” could significantly increase the tax liability of assets placed in special needs trusts if the trust’s beneficiary is a minor and the income the trust earns is high enough. Congress...more
Just before her 80th birthday, Ernest (“Big Daddy”) Bux’s octogenarian Auntie Delusional (Auntie Del) died without a will or any other estate plan in place to give guidance to her husband (Uncle Tom) and their two adult...more
In 1993, Congress enacted Section 1917(d)(4)(A) of the Social Security Act, authorizing the establishment of special needs trusts (also called first-party trusts and self-settled trusts). First-party special needs trusts...more