Special Needs Hotline Coming

As a public service, Genser Dubow Genser & Cona (GDGC), an estate planning and elder law firm based in Melville, is sponsoring a free Special Needs telephone hotline on Wednesday, March 7^th from 9 AM– 7 PM for community members who have children or family members with special needs to call in and speak to a GDGC attorney. 

Those with legal and financial questions can get answers to protect children or adults with special needs by calling 631-390-5000.

In light of the proposed changing definition of autism that could lead to tightening criteria, it is more important than ever to know how to insure that those with autism or other developmental disabilities get the support, services and benefits they need as well as information on preserving assets and independence. 

“Adults and children with special needs have unique estate planning requirements,” says Paul Hyl, senior associate at GDGC.  “During the hotline, we hope to help individuals and families by clarifying the complex legal issues and rules as well as offer strategies and techniques to protect the assets and quality of life of adults and children with special needs.”

For example, families need to know how special needs children and adults can apply for or maintain their government benefits, how parents can leave an inheritance to a disabled child, how to plan for financial needs and lifestyle for long term care, as well as issues regarding gifting, trusts, guardianships and more. 

Some of the topics GDGC can address include: 

-       Protecting Assets Without Losing Government Benefits

-       Management and Use of Special Needs Trusts/Supplemental Needs Trusts

-       Pooled Trusts

-       Planning through a Will

-       Guardianships – Planning Beyond Age 18

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting 1.5 million Americans.  As many as 4 million people could be diagnosed with autism by 2015, according to the Autism Today organization.

The telephone hotline is only one of the many public service programs offered by GDGC.  The firm also offers free guides on various topics.  Call GDGC at 631-390-5000 or e-mail elder@genserlaw.com to request the Special Needs Trusts brochure or the firm’s publication: “Your Guild to Elder Law and Estate Planning.”