Presented by:
Tina James, Esq.
Attorney Tina James returns to the Belmar Public Library with her series of presentations that educate families about the legal issues surrounding the lives of special needs children, including education, estate planning, legal rights, and more.
Introduction: Planning for your Child with Disabilities
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 6 pm
This presentation covers special needs planning, including the importance of estate planning, the use of special needs trusts, options for selecting trustees, ways to fund a special needs trust, knowing when a guardianship may be appropriate, alternatives to guardianship, and an overview of government benefits like social security, Medicaid, other entitlements. The goal of this presentation is to educate families who have a child, grandchild, or even a sibling with a disability.
Estate Planning: Special Needs Trust and NJ Able Accounts
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 6 pm
This presentation educates parents, grandparents, and other family members on the importance of an estate plan, what happens without an estate plan, and how they could jeopardize their family member’s benefits if they die without an estate plan or one that’s not properly prepared. This presentation covers the fundamentals of Wills, Special Needs Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, NJ Able Accounts, the transfer of non-probate assets, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts, and creating a plan to care for their family member after they are gone.
Successful Transition to Adulthood
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6 PM
This presentation provides a more in-depth understanding of when a guardianship is needed, the difference between plenary guardianship and limited guardianship, and guardianship of the person and guardianship of the estate, obtaining physician certifications, the role of court appointed counsel, and options for supported decision making when a guardianship is not appropriate. This presentation will also discuss applying for entitlements like supplemental security income, Medicaid, educational entitlement in the school system, and services through the New Jersey of Division of Developmental Disabilities.
All Sessions are LIVE at the Library!!!
THIS SERIES IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC