Holistic View of Special Needs Planning: A Conversation with Bernie Krooks, Esq. | |
Special needs (and elder law) planning is vital to consider for most, if not all, clients. In this free webinar, Founding Partner Bernard A. Krooks will be providing a practical and comprehensive discussion of important practical issues that affect special or supplemental needs planning.
Topics that will be covered include: Which trusts should include special needs provisions? (answer – all of them)? What role can the general estate planning attorney, wealth adviser, and other members of the advisor team play when a client is addressing the challenge of a special child? When should a general estate planning attorney bring in a specialist in this area to assist? How might that relationship work? Which attorney would handle which aspects of the planning? Are there situations when the general practice attorney might opt to turnover the entire matter to a special needs expert? What are the attorney’s ethical obligations in these matters? Practical real-life examples of all these and other issues will be presented.
This is not a typical special needs planning webinar that focuses on technical details of a third-party special needs trust, etc. Rather, it is a somewhat informal discussion with one of the country’s leading special needs attorneys, Bernard A. Krooks, who shares a wealth of insights and thoughts that will be invaluable to practitioners of all experience levels and all professions.
Join us on Thursday, May 25th from 4-5 pm EST to gain valuable insights. Register now and don't miss out on this opportunity.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Littman Krooks is proud to be a Bronze sponsor of NAMIWalks Westchester. Come visit our Littman Krooks table at the walk on Saturday, May 20th, at Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale, New York. Check-in begins at 8:30 am, and opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 am. The park is the future site of the Westchester Healing Garden.
We love supporting NAMIWestchester, which offers needed information, experience, and resources to help those whose lives are affected by mental illness. The work is more critical than ever, and we are proud that our work at LK is aligned to the mission. Join our team, LK Lights in the Tunnel, whether virtually or in person. #findhelpfindhope
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Meet Attorney Brian L. Miller | |
Q: What drew you to the practice of elder law?
A: I am a “grandma’s boy”– she was my best friend. My grandfather passed away when I was in 10th grade, so I moved into my grandmother’s house to ensure that she did not have to live alone. My grandmother passed away suddenly in my first semester of law school, and I helped my mother probate her Will and administer the estate. This was my first real experience in estate administration, which led me to learning more about estate planning and the various areas of elder law.
Q: Have you always practiced in the area of elder law?
A: No. I was a complex tort litigator for over ten years. I was at a turning point in my career where I was tired of fighting with opposing counsel and just wanted to help people. I recalled the joy that elder law classes and clinics brought me in law school, combined with being a grandma’s boy at heart, and decided to make the switch. I could not be happier with my decision, as elder law better suits my personality.
Q. What is your favorite part about your job?
A: Helping people. I also enjoy listening to my client’s stories and gaining an understanding what matters most to them to ensure that I can prepare their plans to align with their wishes and core values.
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Aside from the stereotypical answer of spending time with my family, I enjoy working in my yard and tinkering on my house.
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
A: I am a huge Syracuse Orange fan. Having obtained my bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, as well as meeting my wife on the Syracuse University Mock Trial Team, the Orange will always hold a special place in my heart. Go Orange!
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Partner Amy C. O'Hara Attended the NAELA Meeting in Puerto Rico | |
Partner Amy C. O'Hara had the privilege of attending the NAELA's Annual Conference in beautiful Puerto Rico this May. With over three decades of experience, the NAELA has been instrumental in providing Elder and Special Needs Law professionals with the tools to succeed and excel in their field. | |
Help End the Silence on Speaking About Mental Health | |
Please join the Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force for a compelling presentation on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., entitled: Ending the Silence for Families & Staff by NAMI Westchester. LK Partner and Task Force Board Member, Marion Walsh, will help facilitate. The presentation will educate parents, school staff and caregivers about the warning signs of mental health conditions, about what steps to take if your child or a student is showing symptoms of a mental health condition and how school districts and parents can work together to help students. Click HERE to register. Please note, you will get a confirmation link upon registering. | |
LK Sponsors BluePath Service Dogs for Children with Autism | |
LK was proud to be a Table Sponsor for BluePath Service Dogs. On Saturday, May 13th, Blue Path hosted their seventh annual walkathon at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights. The event raised funds in support of BluePath's mission - to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence. For more information, see https://www.bluepathservicedogs.org/ | |
Marion Walsh Presented as Panelist on “Preparing for College: A Parent’s Guide” | |
Every parent should review essential tips for helping their child prepare for college. Partner Marion Walsh presented as a panelist with the Special Education Legal Fund, on May 3, 2023, on "Preparing for College: A Parent's Guide." Panelists provided expertise and essential insights on college accommodations, legal protections for college students and their parents, and the supports available to college students. The webinar is available here for those who could not attend. | |
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Littman Krooks attorneys Joel Krooks and Jessica Saio were proud to attend the 55th Annual Salute to Seniors, at Croton Point Park, sponsored by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, on May 16th. The event featured music and information on programs, services and products for our senior community. Join us at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle on Wednesday, May 24th, from 10-12:30. | |
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17-A Guardianship and Advance Directives for Young Adult Children
When a child turns 18 years old, under the law the child becomes a legal adult. This can be a stressful time for parents of children with special needs. Without guardianship in place or advance directives, it may become difficult for parents to continue advocating for their children. Parents with children with special needs have two options.
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Bronze NAMIWalks Sponsor
Littman Krooks is a proud sponsor of NAMIWalks Westchester.
Date: May 20, 2023
Check-in Time: 8:30 am
Location: Ridge Road Park, 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, NY 10530
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Westchester County's 55th Annual: Salute to Seniors Sponsor
Date: May 24, 2023
Time: 10 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Glen Island Park, Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10805
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Holistic View of Special Needs Planning: A Conversation with Bernie Krooks, Esq.
Date: May 25, 2023
Time: 4 pm - 5 pm EST
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Littman Krooks LLP is among the 2022 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms." with partners that have been named as top attorneys in New York for 2022 by Super Lawyers magazine. | | | | |