16^th Annual Changes and Trends Affecting

Special Needs Trusts

A Guide for Attorneys, Financial Advisors and Trust Officers

Austin Feb 13-14, 2020 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin
Conference Concluded

Overview

The 16th Annual Changes and Trends Affecting Special Needs Trusts brings together nationally recognized professionals in the SNT field, features the latest updates and hot topics, and offers a great set of materials including sample forms, drafting tips, sample language, and resources. This year’s program includes:

An overview of special needs trusts essentials, including SNT Basics, Pooled SNTs: Guidelines for Best Practices, Maximizing Public Benefits (Basics), and Emerging Trends in SNTs.
Learn about the New POMs Clarification on the Fee Approval Requirements.
The SSA’s Regional Trust Leads discuss the regional centralization of the SSI trust review business process, including 2019 POMS updates.
Learn tools and specific recommendations of large and small distributions for evaluating requests in part through quality of life considerations.
An overview of support issues in divorce cases involving children and spouses with disabilities and the use of SNTs to protect benefits.
Interplay of Guardians and Trustees In and Out of Court + Administering SNTs Established in Other States and Other SSA Regions.
A variety of other SNT topics, including Protecting and Maximizing Public Benefits (Advanced), Public Benefits for Children, IRA and SNTs, social security fee petitions, and more.
Network with program faculty, colleagues, and exhibitors at the Thursday Evening Reception.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 February 13, 2020
Day 2 February 14, 2020

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Feb. 13, 2020
Presiding Officer:
Patricia F. Sitchler, The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler - La Vernia, TX
8:00 am

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:35 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:45 am

1.00 hr

SNT Basics

Take a look at special needs trusts and things to consider when selecting the appropriate option. Gain insight on the intersection of trusts with governmental benefits and delve into the types of special needs trust with case examples.

Molly Abshire, Wright Abshire, Attorneys - Bellaire, TX

Molly Abshire, Wright Abshire, Attorneys - Bellaire, TX
9:45 am

0.50 hr

Pooled SNTs: Guidelines for Best Practices

Examine the best practices guidelines developed as part of a recent Life Passages Planning Project. Discuss the various guidelines, why those were included, and review examples of their application.

Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA
Rebecca C. Morgan, Stetson University College of Law - Gulfport, FL

Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA
Rebecca C. Morgan, Stetson University College of Law - Gulfport, FL
10:15 am

Break
10:30 am

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Maximizing Public Benefits (Basics)

Hear an overview of public benefits and Medicaid programs for clients, including "waiver" programs and how to use them to provide long-term care services for clients. Discuss practice tips for new practitioners.

Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX

Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
11:00 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Emerging Trends in SNTs

Imagine that you are a parent of a 17-year-old child named Kathy who has been diagnosed with Autism, and expected to live until she is 87 years old. Discuss challenges that Kathy’s trustee would need to address if her parents passed away over the next 70 years including current and future laws and regulations, ABLE Accounts, support systems and government aid. Highlight current challenges in different Social Security Administration Regions across the nation, and how those trends could affect the Texas Special Needs Trust practitioners.

Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA

Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA
11:45 am

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 13, 2020
Presiding Officer:
Bryn A. Poland, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
Thank You to Our Luncheon Sponsor
Bank of Texas
12:05 pm

0.50 hr

Letters of Intent for SNTs

Letters of intent are pivotal in future planning and are invaluable in administrating a trust. A letter of intent ensures the trustee knows the abilities, limitations, likes, dislikes, interests, routines, history, future, hopes and dreams of the beneficiary. Gain insight on the important aspects that should be included in a useful letter of intent.

Haley D. Greer, The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX

Haley D. Greer, The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX
12:35 pm

Break
12:50 pm

0.50 hr

Public Benefits for Children

Review public benefits and Medicaid programs for children. Learn tips on navigating clients through the various programs and bypassing wait lists.

Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX

Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
1:20 pm

0.50 hr

Divorce and Disability / Child Support

An overview of support issues in divorce cases involving children and spouses with disabilities and the use of SNTs to protect benefits.

Keith D. Maples, Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant, LLP - Austin, TX

Keith D. Maples, Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant, LLP - Austin, TX
1:50 pm

0.75 hr

A View from the HHSC

A discussion of current issues and trends from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Shari L. Nichols, Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Austin, TX

Shari L. Nichols, Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Austin, TX
2:35 pm

Break
2:45 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Protecting and Maximizing Public Benefits (Advanced)

Discuss recent changes in laws and policies affecting benefits. Hear the latest developments and strategies for protecting and maximizing benefits.

H. Clyde Farrell, Farrell & Johnson PLLC - Austin, TX

H. Clyde Farrell, Farrell & Johnson PLLC - Austin, TX
3:15 pm

1.00 hr
0.50 hr ethics

New POMs Clarification on the Fee Approval Requirements

Learn more about POMS GN 03920.007 and the questions it raised, the legislative and administrative advocacy that followed its release, and what may happen now that it has been archived.

Stacy Braverman Cloyd, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives - Washington, DC
Constance R. Somers, Law Office Of Constance Somers - San Antonio, TX

Stacy Braverman Cloyd, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives - Washington, DC
Constance R. Somers, Law Office Of Constance Somers - San Antonio, TX
4:15 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Nuts and Bolts of Preparing a Fee Petition for Social Security Representation

After winning the case there are additional steps needed to finally get paid. Learn what is required in the client contract, how our first draft is prepared, terms to avoid, addressing the Judge’s concerns, getting clients assistance, where to send the completed fee petition, expected time needed for follow-up, and additional insight.

John Driskill, Morgan & Weisbrod LLP - Dallas, TX
Tasha Dansby Roberts, Morgan & Weisbrod LLP - Dallas, TX

John Driskill, Morgan & Weisbrod LLP - Dallas, TX
Tasha Dansby Roberts, Morgan & Weisbrod LLP - Dallas, TX
4:45 pm

Adjourn to Reception

Join program faculty and attendees for drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Thank You to Our Reception Sponsor
Frost Wealth Advisors

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Feb. 14, 2020
Presiding Officer:
Peyton Taylor, Texas Bankers Association - Austin, TX
8:00 am

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:15 am

0.75 hr

Working with the Social Security Administration: Appeals, Overpayments and ISM Charges

Gain a better understanding of the timeline and process of appeals, options for managing overpayments, and strategies to eliminate in-kind support and maintenance charges.

Alison Packard, Packard Law Firm - San Antonio, TX

Alison Packard, Packard Law Firm - San Antonio, TX
9:00 am

0.50 hr

IRAs and SNTs

Many parents’ IRAs and 401(k)s are a significant part of their estate, and they may want to leave it to their child with disabilities to provide for his or her future care. Explore various issues that arise when incorporating retirement benefits into special needs planning, including taxation and SSI/Medicaid disqualification. Whether the distribution is outright, over a period of years, or to a conduit or accumulation special needs trust, proper planning can maximize the benefit to the child with special needs.

Tresi Weeks, The Weeks Law Firm, PLLC - Plano, TX

Tresi Weeks, The Weeks Law Firm, PLLC - Plano, TX
9:30 am

1.00 hr

Interplay of Guardians and Trustees In and Out of Court + Administering SNTs Established in Other States and Other SSA Regions (Case Studies)

Complexities abound with SNTs involving multiple decision makers and multiple states. Discuss creative solutions using ABLE accounts, automated distribution plans facilitated by True Link, experienced corporate trustees, and pooled trusts.

Moderator:
Renée C. Lovelace, The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Haley D. Greer, The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX
Nancy Sosa, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
Peter J. Wall, True Link Financial - Denver, CO

Moderator:
Renée C. Lovelace, The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Haley D. Greer, The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX
Nancy Sosa, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
Peter J. Wall, True Link Financial - Denver, CO
10:30 am

Break
10:45 am

1.00 hr

SSA Regional Trust Leads Presentation Regarding SSI Trusts

A discussion with the Regional Trust Leads on the regional centralization of the SSI trust review business process, including 2019 POMS updates. In addition, hear about drafting errors, including case examples.

Amanda Flood, U.S. Social Security Administration - Dallas, TX
Dana Marquez, U.S. Social Security Administration - Dallas, TX

Amanda Flood, U.S. Social Security Administration - Dallas, TX
Dana Marquez, U.S. Social Security Administration - Dallas, TX
11:45 am

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Noncitizens and Public Benefits

Learn about noncitizens' eligibility for public benefits and how various statuses may affect sponsors, recipients and family members in a “deterrence only” policy environment.

Terry Lynn Garrett, The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX
Melanie Ibarra, The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX

Terry Lynn Garrett, The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX
Melanie Ibarra, The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX
12:15 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Feb. 14, 2020
Presiding Officer:
Renée C. Lovelace, The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:35 pm

0.50 hr

Quality of Life Tools: Bloom Where You Are Planted

The goal of quality of life considerations is to help make your clients/beneficiaries feel valued and to appreciate life despite their challenges. In most cases, distribution requests between beneficiaries and professionals are framed as necessities or needs rather than improving their quality of life. Learn tools and specific recommendations of large and small distributions for evaluating requests in part through quality of life considerations.

Leah Cohen, arrangeCARE - Austin, TX

Leah Cohen, arrangeCARE - Austin, TX
1:05 pm

Break and Vendor Annoucements
1:35 pm

0.75 hr

Powers of Appointment in Special Needs Planning: Mystical Authority Made Magical!

Define the role and use of powers of appointment in the context of public benefits, tax, and dispositive wishes so that problems can be solved rather than created.

G. Mark Shalloway, Shalloway & Shalloway - West Palm Beach, FL

G. Mark Shalloway, Shalloway & Shalloway - West Palm Beach, FL
2:20 pm

0.50 hr

Home Sweet Home?

Hear common considerations and unusual issues surrounding the ownership and maintenance of a house for a trust beneficiary.

Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP - Waco, TX
Nancy Sosa, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP - Waco, TX
Nancy Sosa, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
2:50 pm

1.00 hr ethics

Special Needs Trusts Ethics Jeopardy

Cover various categories of ethical issues SNT attorneys, using the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, where the answers are in the form of questions. Get ready to volunteer to play Special Needs Trusts Ethics Jeopardy!

Mary Alice Jackson, Boyer & Boyer P.A. - Sarasota, FL
Rebecca C. Morgan, Stetson University College of Law - Gulfport, FL

Mary Alice Jackson, Boyer & Boyer P.A. - Sarasota, FL
Rebecca C. Morgan, Stetson University College of Law - Gulfport, FL
3:50 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 February 13, 2020
Day 2 February 14, 2020

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Molly Abshire

Wright Abshire, Attorneys
Bellaire, TX

Stacy Braverman Cloyd

National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives
Washington, DC

Leah Cohen

arrangeCARE
Austin, TX

Stephen W. Dale

The Dale Law Firm, PC
Pacheco, CA

John Driskill

Morgan & Weisbrod LLP
Dallas, TX

H. Clyde Farrell

Farrell & Johnson PLLC
Austin, TX

Amanda Flood

U.S. Social Security Administration
Dallas, TX

Terry Lynn Garrett

The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC
Austin, TX

Haley D. Greer

The Arc of Texas
Austin, TX

Melanie Ibarra

The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC
Austin, TX

Mary Alice Jackson

Boyer & Boyer P.A.
Sarasota, FL

Christina Lesher

The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC
Houston, TX

Renée C. Lovelace

The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Keith D. Maples

Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant, LLP
Austin, TX

Dana Marquez

U.S. Social Security Administration
Dallas, TX

Rebecca C. Morgan

Stetson University College of Law
Gulfport, FL

Shari L. Nichols

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Austin, TX

Alison Packard

Packard Law Firm
San Antonio, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey

Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP
Waco, TX

Tasha Dansby Roberts

Morgan & Weisbrod LLP
Dallas, TX

G. Mark Shalloway

Shalloway & Shalloway
West Palm Beach, FL

Constance R. Somers

Law Office Of Constance Somers
San Antonio, TX

Nancy Sosa

Cadence Bank
Austin, TX

Peter J. Wall

True Link Financial
Denver, CO

Tresi Weeks

The Weeks Law Firm, PLLC
Plano, TX

Planning Committee

Renée C. Lovelace—Co-Chair

The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Patricia F. Sitchler—Co-Chair

The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler
La Vernia, TX

April Rogers—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Ashlee Bennett

Texas Bankers Association
Austin, TX

Leah Cohen

arrangeCARE
Austin, TX

Stephen W. Dale

The Dale Law Firm, PC
Pacheco, CA

H. Clyde Farrell

Farrell & Johnson PLLC
Austin, TX

Terry Lynn Garrett

The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC
Austin, TX

Haley D. Greer

The Arc of Texas
Austin, TX

Mary Alice Jackson

Boyer & Boyer P.A.
Sarasota, FL

Christina Lesher

The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC
Houston, TX

Pi-Yi Mayo

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Bryn A. Poland

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Kristen Quinney Porter

Kristen Quinney Porter, LLC
New Braunfels, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey

Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP
Waco, TX

Nancy Sosa

Cadence Bank
Austin, TX

Peyton Taylor

Texas Bankers Association
Austin, TX

Tresi Weeks

The Weeks Law Firm, PLLC
Plano, TX

Credit Info

Austin

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.50 hrs | 2.75 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Estate Planning and Probate Law, Tax Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 13.50 hrs | 2.75 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 16.00 hrs | 3.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Other Credit

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – 16.00 hrs

This course has been approved for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credit. UT Law CLE will report your credit for you, but we do require that you claim the credit in your Briefcase and ensure your CFP number is add in your account. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

You can learn more at: http://www.cfp.net/

ICB Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) – 16.25 hrs

This conference has been approved by the American Bankers Association (ABA) for continuing education credits. Credit approvals are based on the relevance of the program to the ICB's certification exam outline. One credit is awarded for every 50 minutes of relevant instruction. You will receive a downloadable Certificate of Completion for your records. Self-report these credits at https://www.aba.com/training-events/certifications/certified-trust-and-fiduciary-advisor/maintain-ctfa.

Attendee Instructions for Submitting ABA CE Credit

» Attendees must self-submit credit by logging into their Certification Dashboard
» Hover over ‘ADD CE CREDIT’ and select ‘APPROVED NON-ABA CE’
» Enter key word(s) from program title or sponsor name(The University of Texas School of Law) and select your program from the search results
» Click ‘Request’ and when page refreshes click ‘Mark Complete’ to finalize submission

National Accounting CPE – 16.00 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Live (UT Law CLE is a provider of NASBA Group-Live credit only, which excludes online offerings.

To comply with NASBA Standards, attendees claiming CPE credit must sign in to verify attendance for each segment. Attendance sign-in sheets will be available at the registration desk. You will need your CPA license number to sign in. A CPE Certificate of Completion will be provided at the conclusion of the conference.

Reporting: CPAs are responsible for reporting CPE credits earned to their state's accountancy board, and must retain appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities. Visit your state’s reporting website for more information or www.nasba.org.

TX Accounting CPE – 16.00 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Austin – Feb 13-14, 2020 – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin

Individual
Last day for $525.00 Regular pricing: Feb 5, 2020
$575.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: Feb 5, 2020
$525.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $420.00 Regular pricing: Feb 5, 2020
$470.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Feb 7, 2020
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Feb 10, 2020

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin

6505 N. Interstate 35
Austin, TX 78752-4346
512-454-3737
512-454-3737 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

$169 room rate good through January 22, 2020 (subject to availability).

Book your room online or call the reservations department at 1-800-866-3126 and reference the group name "UT Law Special Needs Trust". The online link and group code will be active until the room block is full or the cutoff date of 1/22/2020, whichever comes first.

Parking Information

Daily or Overnight Self-parking: $8
Valet Parking: $20

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Frost Wealth Advisors

Frost Wealth Advisors
frostbank.com

Frost has a team of professionals who work together towards a common goal: to help you achieve financial security. Today the Frost Wealth Advisors are responsible for more than $36 billion in assets of individuals, families, businesses and non-profit institutions. You can count on us for investment management, trust administration, estate and financial planning, real estate, oil and gas management, retirement plan management, tax planning and wealth management. Frost has built a legacy of involvement with the communities it serves, especially with the organizations that provide for the betterment of the community. In fact, we have a dedicated group of specialists in our Public Finance Division who understand the specialized financing, treasury, investment and insurance needs of Texas governmental and non-profit institutions including educational, religious and healthcare organizations.
Bank of Texas

Bank of Texas
bankoftexas.com

Whether you are setting up a trust, safekeeping account, private foundation, or arranging for estate management services, Bank of Texas offers the full range of fiduciary products in which we serve as the fiduciary or the agent for the fiduciary. Backed by the strength and stability of BOK Financial, a $33 billion regional financial services company that has been in the trust business since 1918, Bank of Texas provides high touch, personalized fiduciary services through an experienced and credentialed team of local experts. Not only do we serve as neutral third party personal representative for estates, we also administer all types of trusts including revocable, irrevocable, charitable, court created or special needs, with the goal of maximizing tax savings, avoiding probate where possible, and protecting your financial future.
Cadence Bank, NA, Trust & Asset Management

Cadence Bank, NA, Trust & Asset Management
cadencebank.com

Cadence Bank’s Trust & Asset Management Division, formerly EncoreTrust, has been serving the trust and wealth management needs of clients in Texas for more than 50 years, and today manages approximately $5.8 billion in assets. Whether building, managing or transitioning your assets, our talented professionals can help you at every stage. Averaging 20 years’ experience each, our administrative team can advise you on investment services, estate and trust development and administration, fiduciary services, both knowledgeably and efficiently. Personal service is the hallmark of every relationship we develop, and we remain steadfast on helping you achieve your financial goals. Cadence Trust & Asset Management has two locations in Houston, as well as full-service offices in Austin and Dallas.
American National Bank of Texas

American National Bank of Texas
anbtx.com

At American National Bank of Texas, our values have served us well since 1875. Doing the right thing for our customers and employees is at the core of everything we do. In 1926 we expanded to include Trust Services, to meet the changing needs of our clients. Our Trust Department is filled with seasoned financial professionals who seek to build lifelong partnerships with our clients and their families. The only way to get to know a Trust Department is to spend time with its people – and our customers enjoy the personal relationships and attention we provide. Our approach to trust administration is especially well suited to Special Needs Trust beneficiaries and their families. We are dedicated to providing the additional time and expertise necessary to fully understand and meet the needs of our beneficiaries throughout their lifetimes. We serve throughout the state of Texas, and look forward to working with you!
Ametros Financial

Ametros Financial
ametros.com

Ametros is the industry leader in post-settlement medical administration and a trusted partner for thousands of members receiving funds from workers’ compensation and liability settlements. Through their innovative professional administration service CareGuard, Ametros provides post-settlement medical management services with significant medical and pharmacy discounts, automated payment technology, and Medicare reporting tools. Ametros works directly with trustees and beneficiaries across the country, providing medical discounts to extend the lifetime of any medical funds. Ametros handles claim adjudication, bill review, and payments to providers on behalf of the trustee. Through their services, beneficiaries have access to savings on prescriptions, home healthcare, skilled facility care, and durable medical equipment.
Colvent Group

Colvent Group
colventgroup.com

Colvent Group Inc. provides comprehensive real property consulting services for fiduciaries. We specialize in nationwide home management and vehicle purchasing/insurance procurement. Our services span all 50 states. We have forged partnerships with local, licensed, insured contractors and dealers to ensure that vehicles and homes are purchased, repaired and maintained with excellence. Our standard in applying root-cause problem-solving techniques is the cornerstone of our company as we ensure that home, vehicle and client requirements are well defined.
Happy State Bank and Trust Co.

Happy State Bank and Trust Co.
happybank.com

“The town without a frown,” Happy, Texas, got its first bank in 1908, then called First State Bank of Happy. In 1989, 10 local families from Canyon, Texas purchased the $10 million dollar bank that was listed as the 812th largest bank in Texas. Happy State Bank is now the 20th largest bank with 35 branches in 25 markets, and an asset size of $3.4 billion. In addition to being named a “Best Banks to Work For” five years in a row by American Banker, Happy is ranked the 3rd Best Bank in Texas and the 26th Best Bank in the Nation by Forbes. The Happy Trust Company was added in 2002 and currently manages over 400 million dollars in assets. Happy’s trust team has over 300 years of combined experience providing expertise in farm and ranch management, securities portfolio services, and mineral interest oversight. Consistent with Happy State Bank’s mission, the trust company thrives on building personal relationships with our clients while providing the highest level of fiduciary service.
Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions
HA.com

The largest auction house founded in the United States and the world’s third largest, Heritage Auctions upholds an unmatched community of collectors interested in precious objects from 40 unique categories. Along with over 700 auctions a year, Heritage offers an array of services to collectors and professional advisors alike, including complimentary estate valuations, USPAP and IRS compliant appraisals, charitable giving and estate planning services. Our Trusts & Estates team creatively works with clients to maximize the value of their art, luxury goods and collectibles making Heritage the trusted choice for fiduciaries and an international clientele of over one million bidders.
Life Care Consultants, Inc.

Life Care Consultants, Inc.
lifecareplans.com

Life Care Consultants, Inc. has provided life care planning and care management services for individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs for more than 25 years. Our care management team of experienced registered nurses and licensed social workers uses a collaborative approach to assist trust companies, guardians, attorneys, and families with coordination of benefits, services and care. Our comprehensive client assessment reviews eligibility for benefits and programs, educational and vocational services,outpatient care needs,home health care services, durable medical equipment and wheelchair needs, including wheelchair accessible housing and transportation. We are also able to assist with placement into long-term care settings, hospital discharge planning, and long-term budget planning for our clients.
TEAM Risk Management Strategies

TEAM Risk Management Strategies
team-risk.com

TEAM Risk Management Strategies (www.team-risk.com) is a leading provider of outsourced household employment services. We offer nationwide employer of record services to fiduciaries who manage trusts, estates, and guardianships which directly employ caregivers or other service providers.

We provide a seamless solution to address both the hassles of employee administration as well as the considerable risk of employment-related liability. In addition to handling payroll processing, TEAM manages all recordkeeping and tax reporting, and provides full-service access to human resources and compliance experts. To ensure that fiduciaries and trust assets are fully protected, TEAM provides comprehensive workplace insurance and liability coverage, as well as compliance with ever-changing employment law.

TEAM has served hundreds of the nation’s most prominent banks and financial institutions over the last 15 years and employs thousands of people in all 50 states.
Texas ABLE Program – A Savings Program for Texans with Disabilities

Texas ABLE Program – A Savings Program for Texans with Disabilities
texasable.org

The Texas ABLE Program: Helping Texans with Disabilities Save and Plan for the Future
Eligible Texans with disabilities and their families can save for disability-related expenses in a tax-advantaged Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE®) account without losing eligibility for certain public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Funds in an ABLE account can be used to pay for qualified disability expenses that relate to the beneficiary’s blindness or disability and are used to maintain or improve his or her health, independence or quality of life. Eligible individuals can save up to $15,000 per year in an ABLE account and funds up to $100,000 are generally disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility to receive government assistance or benefits. Anyone, including the eligible individual, family, friends, business entities or a trust, may contribute to the account. Texas ABLE is based on federal and state legislation and is maintained by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The program is open to Texas residents who experience the onset of a disability before the age of 26 and meet program eligibility requirements. Learn more and enroll online at TexasABLE.org.
True Link Financial

True Link Financial
truelinkfinancial.com

True Link is a financial services firm dedicated to serving people with disabilities. Our investment management services, trust accounting platform, and the True Link Protection Visa® Prepaid Card are all designed especially for special needs trustees and beneficiaries. . The Social Security Administration provided guidance for using the True Link Card for SNT disbursements in the Program Operations Manual System (POMS). We partner with more pooled trusts than any other investment advisor in the U.S. and provide customized trust accounting solutions for individual special needs trusts nationwide.

Special Needs Trusts

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Feb. 13, 2020

Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 13, 2020

Friday Morning, Feb. 14, 2020

Friday Afternoon, Feb. 14, 2020

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin

Accommodations

Parking Information

Our Sponsors

Frost Wealth Advisors

Bank of Texas

Cadence Bank, NA, Trust & Asset Management

American National Bank of Texas

Ametros Financial

Colvent Group

Happy State Bank and Trust Co.

Heritage Auctions

Life Care Consultants, Inc.

TEAM Risk Management Strategies

Texas ABLE Program – A Savings Program for Texans with Disabilities

True Link Financial

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