Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., of Littman Krooks LLP, will teach a course entitled “Special Needs Trusts: The Basic, the Benefits and the Burdens” at the ALI – ABA (American Law Institute | American Bar Association) 2009 conference on “Sophisticated Estate Planning Techniques.” The ALI-ABA presents a yearly course of study consisting of over 13 hours of instruction aimed at estate planning practitioners. This year’s sessions, will be held from September 10-11 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, MA.

The conference will cover a variety of estate planning topics that are particularly relevant during a down economy. Mr. Krooks will present his seminar on Friday September 11 at 10.15 a.m.
Financial planning for a child with special needs is the first step in providing a solid base of lifetime support. Pertinent considerations, including how to balance a child’s wishes and dreams with continued financial stability, will be discussed.

Because of income restrictions, leaving assets directly to a child with special needs can cause a greater burden for the child. If he or she has been receiving public benefits, those benefits may be lost. This situation can be avoided through special needs planning and the establishment of a Special Needs Trust. Careful planning and the use of a Special Needs Trust will help ensure that a child with special needs may receive support without losing important public benefits.

Other topics to be discussed during the two-day conference include, Conservation Easements and Ethical Issues in Asset Protection.

Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., is a founding partner of the law firm Littman Krooks LLP, with offices in New York City and White Plains, NY. He is president of the Special Needs Alliance (SNA). He is past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a fellow of NAELA, past chair of the NAELA Tax Special Interest Group, and former editor-in-chief of the NAELA News. He co-authored the NYSBA publication Elder Law and Will Drafting and is an adjunct asst. professor at NYU Center for Finance, Law, and Taxation. Mr. Krooks is an authority on elder law, special needs planning, and estate planning. He has been quoted in many national publications.

Learn more at http://www.littmankrooks.com.