SSA Clarifies Age Rules For Special Needs Trusts

special needs planning lawyer

In August 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued new guidance in the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) that directly affects how families and attorneys approach Special Needs Trusts (SNTs). Specifically, the SSA clarified in section SI 01120.203 that the SNT resource-counting exception only applies if the trust is established for a beneficiary under the […]

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MA’s Hearings On Supported Decision-Making Bills

guardianship lawyer

Massachusetts lawmakers recently held hearings on two Supported Decision-Making (SDM) bills, S.155 and H.261, that could change how vulnerable adults manage their lives. Instead of relying solely on full guardianship, these proposals would create a legal framework for SDM agreements, allowing adults with disabilities to formally choose trusted supporters to help them make decisions. A

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DOJ Issues New Guidance On Elder Justice Teams

elder law lawyer

The U.S. Department of Justice recently released updated guidance for Elder Justice multidisciplinary teams. These teams are designed to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and vulnerable adults more effectively. For anyone involved in elder advocacy, policy, or care services, the update is significant. An elder law lawyer may help families and caregivers

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Murdoch Succession Battle Ends: Lessons For Owners

business succession planning lawyer

The recent Murdoch family settlement marks the conclusion of one of the most closely watched succession disputes in years. The agreement, finalized in September 2025, secures Lachlan Murdoch’s control of the family’s media empire while compensating his siblings with financial payouts. For those considering the future of their own enterprises, the case offers timely reminders

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California AG Reaffirms Oversight Of Nonprofits

charitable giving lawyer

California recently issued a reminder reinforcing the Attorney General’s role in supervising charitable organizations, fundraisers, and fundraising professionals. For those who work closely with nonprofit compliance, this update underscores how oversight remains a critical part of maintaining public trust. A charitable giving lawyer can help nonprofits understand these responsibilities and adapt to evolving regulations, especially

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Federal Law Locks In Higher Exemptions Starting 2026

estate tax planning lawyer

On August 15, 2025, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), a sweeping piece of legislation that permanently sets the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions at $15 million per person beginning January 1, 2026. For years, estate planners expected the exemption to drop in half in 2026 when the

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OK Moves To Update Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act

power of attorney lawyer

On March 27, 2025, the Oklahoma House passed House Bill 1687, a measure designed to update the state’s Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. For individuals and families trying to plan ahead, this legislation represents a significant development in how medical directives and powers of attorney are treated. For anyone seeking guidance, consulting a power of attorney

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