Pennsylvania Special Needs Planning Guide

A HANDBOOK FOR TRUSTEES OF SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND THEIR ADVISORS
First Edition

AUTHORS: JULIEANNE E. STEINBACHER, ESQ.
and ADRIANNE J. STAHL, ESQ.

Published: March, 2011
Most recent supplement/update: N/A
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010940718
ISBN: 978-0-9820154-7-6

1 VOLUME; HARD-BOUND; PRICE: $129.00

As the number of children with special needs has increased dramatically in recent years, special needs planning has become an expanding and important field within the practice of law. This comprehensive resource was designed to offer concepts that assist in taking special needs planning to a level above and beyond simply adding an additional legal document or two—beyond simply utilizing special needs trusts. The authors have melded legal analysis, practical considerations and examples, forms, and a unique perspective on special needs planning.

The Authors Answer These Questions and Many More

What programs are available from SSA and PA Dept. of Public Welfare?
How do I draft special needs trusts?
How are special needs trusts administered?
What is the trust funding process and how can I simplify the process?
How can I ensure that governmental benefits are not compromised by the trust distributions?
How do I prepare a very important document—Summary of Our Wishes, which represents the vision the primary caregiver has for his or her loved one and provides guidance to the trustee or guardian at the time of the death or incapacity of the primary caregiver?

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed

In Gratitude Preface About the Authors Table of Contents Table of Statutes
Chapter
1.	Introduction
2.	Benefits Overview
3.	Self-Settled Special Needs Trusts
4.	Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
5.	Pooled Trusts For Persons With Disabilities
6.	Funding A Special Needs Trust
7.	Administration of a Special Needs Trust
8.	Taxation of Special Needs Trusts
9.	Summary of Our Wishes
10.	Powers of Attorney
11.	Guardianships
12.	The Decision Makers
13.	Planning Issues, Timelines, And Systems
14.	Special Needs Planning and Divorce
Appendix A Special Needs Planning Resources Appendix B Selected POMS Appendix C Selected Full Text Court Opinions Index