21^st Annual Changes and Trends Affecting

Special Needs Trusts

A Guide for Attorneys, Financial Advisors and Trust Officers

Austin Feb 6-7, 2025 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin
Conference Concluded

Overview

The 21st 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. Join us in-person only in Austin, TX.

Event Schedule

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

Day 1 February 6, 2025
Day 2 February 7, 2025

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Feb. 6, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Bryn A. Poland, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX
8:00 am

Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:35 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:45 am

1.00 hr

Special Needs Trusts 101: The Basics

An overview of the basics of special needs trusts and public benefits including selection of appropriate trust option, pitfalls to avoid and case examples.

Molly Dear Abshire, Wright Abshire Attorneys, P.C. - Bellaire, TX

Molly Dear Abshire, Wright Abshire Attorneys, P.C. - Bellaire, TX
9:45 am

0.75 hr

Case Law Update

A review of recent cases from around the country impacting special needs trusts, trustees and trust beneficiaries.

Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law PLLC - Waco, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law PLLC - Waco, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

1.00 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Maximizing Public Benefits

Discuss how to identify what benefits your client has; what additional benefits they may be eligible for; what distributions by a trustee (or anyone) will make them ineligible; and what distributions will keep them eligible for those benefits.

H. Clyde Farrell, Farrell & Johnson PLLC - Austin, TX
Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX

H. Clyde Farrell, Farrell & Johnson PLLC - Austin, TX
Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
11:45 am

0.50 hr

Taxation of SNTs, Including Court Created Trusts

A basic overview of tax issues relating to the administration of special needs trusts, including those created by court order.

Chris Klemme, American National Bank & Trust - Dallas, TX
Materials By:
Derik Torres, Derik Torres, CPA, P.C. - McKinney, TX

Chris Klemme, American National Bank & Trust - Dallas, TX
Materials By:
Derik Torres, Derik Torres, CPA, P.C. - McKinney, TX
12:15 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 6, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Beth Owens, American National Bank & Trust - Houston, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:45 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Issue Spotting: Case Management and Advocacy

In the early days of special needs planning, “supplemental” needs trusts were intended to do just that: provide funds for quality of life enhancements for a person whose primary needs would be met by a well-funded system of supports. Today, at a time when parents and caregivers are aging and dying, and where Medicaid funded programs are a shell of what they used to be, funds left in trust for a person with a disability will often serve as a primary source of long term support. This presentation highlights the benefits of case management and advocacy services in identifying and addressing the challenges faced by a trustee managing funds in a discretionary trust for a disabled beneficiary whose formal and informal support networks are changing.

Michael S. Cognetti, Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC and Adirondack Case Management & Advocacy LLC - Clifton Park, NY

Michael S. Cognetti, Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC and Adirondack Case Management & Advocacy LLC - Clifton Park, NY
1:30 pm

15-Minute Break
1:45 pm

0.50 hr

ABLE Updates

Learn about the tax-advantaged Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (Texas ABLE®), a disability savings program created specifically for Texans with qualifying disabilities. This session takes a deeper dive into all things Texas ABLE—from how to open and manage a Texas ABLE account to discovering ways eligible individuals with disabilities and their families are using the accounts, all while helping to preserve state and federal means-tested benefits, including SSI and Medicaid. The session also highlights upcoming legislative changes including the Age Adjustment Act and its impact on program eligibility.

Anna Mallett, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Austin, TX

Anna Mallett, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Austin, TX
2:15 pm

0.75 hr

A View from HHSC

Gain insight on the topic of the termination of the special needs trust when a beneficiary passes away and there is a Medicaid lien owed. Hear the basics of the requirements of the Medicaid pay-back provision, how to contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to verify the Medicaid lien and obtain the lien payoff, and the process of settling the lien with the agency.

Leslea Pickle, Texas Department of Health and Human Services - Austin, TX

Leslea Pickle, Texas Department of Health and Human Services - Austin, TX
3:00 pm

15-Minute Break
Thank You to Our Break Sponsor
3:15 pm

0.50 hr

Sole Benefit Trusts: What, When, and Why

Focus on the uses of Sole Benefit Trusts, including distinguishing them from other types of special needs trusts. It will include practical application, hypothetical situations, and sample language.

Jennifer L. Coulter, Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC - El Paso, TX

Jennifer L. Coulter, Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC - El Paso, TX
3:45 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Buying A House Step-By-Step: A Roadmap for SNT Trustees

Buying a home for an SNT beneficiary can be one of the largest and most consequential purchases an SNT trustee will make during the lifetime of the trust. In this session, review procedures, considerations, best practices, and potential pitfalls for SNT trustees as they navigate the home-buying process.

Anna M. Méndez, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
Margaret Svoboda, American National Bank of Texas - Rockwall, TX

Anna M. Méndez, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
Margaret Svoboda, American National Bank of Texas - Rockwall, TX
4:30 pm

0.50 hr

HOTMA

This presentation covers recent changes to HUD housing programs that impact how income and assets are calculated for families. Learn about the new law and analyze the key updates to better inform your clients. Additionally, the session provides guidance on recertifying tenant income to ensure compliance with the updated regulations and current creative housing trends such as the use of Accessory Dwelling Units.

Annette M. Hines, Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PC - Framingham, MA

Annette M. Hines, Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PC - Framingham, MA
5:00 pm

Adjourn to Reception (5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT)

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

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Feb. 7, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law PLLC - Waco, TX
8:00 am

Conference Room and Exhibit Hall Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

It’s 2025—What About SECURE 2.0 and the Estate Tax?

We have final IRS Regulations addressing Required Minimum Distributions as part of SECURE 2.0, and the estate tax exemption will be cut in half on January 1, 2026 unless Congress acts. This presentation focuses on what advisors need to know when planning and drafting, and what beneficiaries and fiduciaries will need to know when making decisions.

John R. Strohmeyer, Strohmeyer Law PLLC - Houston, TX

John R. Strohmeyer, Strohmeyer Law PLLC - Houston, TX
9:15 am

0.75 hr ethics

Special Needs Trusts Ethics Jeopardy

Attorneys and trustees need to clearly understand their ethical obligations. Using the Jeopardy game show format, in this interactive session, the presenters cover various ethical issues encountered in a special needs practice, providing the answers while the audience provides the questions.

Mary Alice Jackson, Boyer & Boyer P.A. - Sarasota, FL
Bryn A. Poland, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX

Mary Alice Jackson, Boyer & Boyer P.A. - Sarasota, FL
Bryn A. Poland, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX
10:00 am

15-Minute Break
10:15 am

1.00 hr

SSA Regional Trust Leads Presentation Regarding SSI Trusts

The centralization of SSI trust reviews business process celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024. This session provides a look back, including improved quality, accurate and consistent trust determinations, and technical proficiency of employees. In addition, hear the latest regarding the legal opinion process, early termination, 90-day amendment period, and updates to the trust POMS.

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
11:15 am

0.75 hr
0.50 hr ethics

Standards and Best Practices for Pooled Trusts

This presentation unpacks the case study of The Center for Special Needs Trusts Administration to better understand what happened and explores the deviations from best practices in pooled trust administration. Also, discuss safeguards for beneficiaries with disabilities, standards for trust administration, and what checkpoints to look for in a pooled trust’s operations.

Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA
Haley D. Greer, The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX
John B. Henry III, Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC - Bellaire, TX
Peter J. Wall, True Link Financial - Denver, CO

Stephen W. Dale, The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA
Haley D. Greer, The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX
John B. Henry III, Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC - Bellaire, TX
Peter J. Wall, True Link Financial - Denver, CO
12:00 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

The Logistics of Resigning and Transferring a Trust to New Trustee

Changing trustees can be easy or complex, depending on the type of trust, the assets of the trust estate, and a variety of other factors. Discuss the process for changing trustees, as well as potential obstacles, risks, and pitfalls that could be faced.

Scott Stebler, Stebler & Sulak, PLLC - Austin, TX

Scott Stebler, Stebler & Sulak, PLLC - Austin, TX
12:30 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Feb. 7, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Regan S. Seliger, Austin Trust Company - Austin, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
1:00 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

The 100-Year Special Needs Plan

Most special needs trusts will be depleted long before the end of a beneficiary’s life. To protect a child with disabilities for life, a plan may need to consider a full 100 years. To protect an adult, a plan may need to consider 50 years or more. This session highlights projections, distribution plans, changes in circumstances, age-based changes, trustee continuity, administration costs, and funding (not wasting a penny).

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

Renée C. Lovelace, The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
1:30 pm

30-Minute Break and Exhibitor Announcements
2:00 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Don’t Modify that Trust: Reform It! When and How to Reform a Trust that Needs to be an SNT

Address the basic requirements for special needs trusts, common errors in drafting, the requirements for reforming a trust versus modifying a trust, and the benefits for reformations.

David F. Johnson, Winstead PC - Fort Worth, TX

David F. Johnson, Winstead PC - Fort Worth, TX
2:45 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Medicare Primer Including Recent Changes to Part D

A review of the Medicare Program Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D including recent changes in Part D.

Pi-Yi Mayo, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX

Pi-Yi Mayo, Mayo & Poland PLLC - Baytown, TX
3:30 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Let’s Not Fight – Drafting to Avoid Litigation

Explore drafting strategies to prevent litigation. A drafting attorney and a litigation attorney deliberate the right words, communications, and approaches to provide clear legal drafting, forestall conflicting interpretations and avoid future disputes.

Angela Odensky, The Law Office of Angela Odensky, PLLC - Bellaire, TX
Erin W. Peirce, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX

Angela Odensky, The Law Office of Angela Odensky, PLLC - Bellaire, TX
Erin W. Peirce, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
4:15 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 February 6, 2025
Day 2 February 7, 2025

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Molly Dear Abshire

Wright Abshire Attorneys, P.C.
Bellaire, TX

Michael S. Cognetti

Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC and Adirondack Case Management & Advocacy LLC
Clifton Park, NY

Jennifer L. Coulter

Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC
El Paso, TX

Stephen W. Dale

The Dale Law Firm, PC
Pacheco, CA

H. Clyde Farrell

Farrell & Johnson PLLC
Austin, TX

Amanda Flood

U.S. Social Security Administration
Dallas, TX

Haley D. Greer

The Arc of Texas
Austin, TX

John B. Henry III

Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC
Bellaire, TX

Annette M. Hines

Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PC
Framingham, MA

Mary Alice Jackson

Boyer & Boyer P.A.
Sarasota, FL

David F. Johnson

Winstead PC
Fort Worth, TX

Chris Klemme

American National Bank & Trust
Dallas, TX

Christina Lesher

The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC
Houston, TX

Renée C. Lovelace

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

Anna Mallett

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Austin, TX

Dana Marquez

U.S. Social Security Administration
Dallas, TX

Pi-Yi Mayo

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Anna M. Méndez

Cadence Bank
Austin, TX

Angela Odensky

The Law Office of Angela Odensky, PLLC
Bellaire, TX

Erin W. Peirce

Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC
Plano, TX

Leslea Pickle

Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Austin, TX

Bryn A. Poland

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey

Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law PLLC
Waco, TX

Scott Stebler

Stebler & Sulak, PLLC
Austin, TX

John R. Strohmeyer

Strohmeyer Law PLLC
Houston, TX

Margaret Svoboda

American National Bank of Texas
Rockwall, TX

Derik Torres

Derik Torres, CPA, P.C.
McKinney, TX

Peter J. Wall

True Link Financial
Denver, CO

Planning Committee

Bryn A. Poland—Co-Chair

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey—Co-Chair

Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law PLLC
Waco, TX

April Rogers—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Jennifer L. Coulter

Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC
El Paso, TX

Stephen W. Dale

The Dale Law Firm, PC
Pacheco, CA

H. Clyde Farrell

Farrell & Johnson PLLC
Austin, TX

Terry Garrett

The Garrett Law Firm, PLLC
Austin, TX

Haley D. Greer

The Arc of Texas
Austin, TX

John B. Henry III

Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC
Bellaire, TX

Renée C. Lovelace

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

Pi-Yi Mayo

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Marilyn G. Miller

Marilyn G. Miller, Attorney at Law
Dripping Springs, TX

Beth Owens

American National Bank & Trust
Houston, TX

Kristen Quinney Porter

Kristen Quinney Porter, LLC
New Braunfels, TX

Patricia Flora Sitchler

The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler
La Vernia, TX

Nancy Sosa

Cadence Bank
Austin, TX

Credit Info

Austin

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.50 hrs | 3.50 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 | 3.50 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.

Ohio – 13.50 hrs | 3.50 hrs Ethics

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

Oklahoma – 16.00 hrs | 4.00 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.

Pennsylvania – 13.50 hrs | 3.50 hrs Ethics

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed . Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Other States – 13.50 hrs | 3.50 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provided to other licensing authorities as needed.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

ICB Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) – 14.75 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

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 once you claim and certify your credits in your UTCLE.org Briefcase 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 6-7, 2025 – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin

Individual
Last day for $545.00 Early Bird pricing: Nov 8, 2024
Last day for $645.00 Regular pricing: Jan 22, 2025
$745.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $480.00 Early Bird pricing: Nov 8, 2024
Last day for $580.00 Regular pricing: Jan 22, 2025
$680.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $415.00 Early Bird pricing: Nov 8, 2024
Last day for $515.00 Regular pricing: Jan 22, 2025
$615.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Jan 31, 2025
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Feb 3, 2025

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin

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

Accommodations

A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special rate of $187 per night. Our special room rate is available until January 6, or until the room block is exhausted, whichever comes first. You can reserve by calling 800-866-3126 and mentioning "UT Law Special Needs Trusts"

Parking Information

Daily or Overnight Self-parking: $10

Our Sponsors

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

Legacy Enhancement Trust

Legacy Enhancement Trust
www.legacyenhancement.org/

Legacy Enhancement is a national non-profit corporation established to assist individuals who are disabled or have special needs. The goal of our special needs trust is to protect you and your loved ones’ current and future assets by managing funds for supplemental needs and enriching your overall quality of life. Your trust fund will be professionally managed and invested to provide long-lasting security and support. We strive to retain any public entitlements you or your loved one are owed, and work to assist with the needs not covered by benefits or insurance. Legacy Enhancement can assist you with every aspect involved in trust administration; including establishment of the trust, funds disbursement and bill pay, nurse care management, benefits coordination, and much more.
Cadence Asset Management & Trust

Cadence Asset Management & Trust
cadencebank.com/wealth-management

At Cadence, we believe that a customized wealth strategy plays a critical role in helping clients achieve a fulfilling life and lasting legacy. Averaging 20 years of experience each, our administrative advisors listen first to better understand our client’s definition of success, their goals and unique family dynamics. Whether it is planning for retirement, establishing a court-created or special needs trust, developing a customized investment strategy or transferring wealth to the next generation, Cadence’s innovative wealth management solutions can help clients overcome roadblocks and build a path to financial success. Cadence Trust & Asset Management has full-service office locations in Houston, Austin and Dallas.
Happy State Bank & Trust Co.

Happy State Bank & Trust Co.
happytrust.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.
Austin Trust Company

Austin Trust Company
www.austintrust.com/

Austin Trust Company was the first private trust company to be chartered by the Texas Department of Banking, receiving charter number T-001 in 1987. We remain the only locally owned and controlled institution that offers a full range of fiduciary services. Whether you have a straightforward trust, a copious, detailed estate or are establishing a Special Needs Trust to help a loved one living with a disability maintain their eligibility for benefit programs, we are here for you. To find out more about how we strive to go Beyond Wealth Management, please visit us at austintrust.com.
American National Bank & Trust

American National Bank & Trust
www.amnat.com/trust/

American National Bank & Trust strives to provide a comprehensive range of wealth management services to achieve your goals of financial security and success. Only by listening carefully to our clients’ dreams, concerns, and unique needs can we develop the appropriate solutions to help achieve each clients’ financial and estate planning goals.

Our trust officers have on average more than 23 years of experience and multiple certifications allowing them to deliver the top level of service to our current clients and their future generations. We have expertise in trusts, estate administration, guardianships, 1301 and 142 trusts, special needs trusts, investments, retirement planning, and other individualized wealth management services.

With trust and wealth management offices across the state of Texas and our corporate headquarters in Wichita Falls, Texas, we are able to provide local experts to help your clients with all of their planning needs.
You can find more information about American National Bank & Trust at www.amnat.com.
Frost Bank

Frost Bank
www.frostbank.com/pages/personal-investments.aspx

Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR). One of the 50 largest U.S. banks by asset size, Frost provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions. Founded in 1868, Frost has helped Texans with their financial needs during three centuries.

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 more than $64 billion in assets at September 30, 2024. 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.
National Care Advisors

National Care Advisors
www.nationalcareadvisors.com

National Care Advisors, founded in 2008, is a national nurse consulting firm providing life care planning, quality of life assessment, third-party benefit analysis, educational and litigation consulting as well as case management services for individuals with special needs and disabilities.

We work with attorneys, financial planners, trustees and their client families in all 50 states to navigate the complex financial and legal climate surrounding insurance, government benefits, and future cost projections. Sustainable quality of life should be attainable for any who seek it, no matter their abilities or special needs. Our case managers and consultants work to maximize quality of life within the available scope of resources. Learn more about us at www.nationalcareadvisors.com
True Link Financial

True Link Financial
www.truelinkfinancial.com/

True Link Financial, Inc., provides financial solutions for people with complex needs and those who care for them. As a dedicated partner to professional trustees throughout the country, True Link's online platform helps trustees manage spending, record-keeping, and reporting for more than 17,000 beneficiaries.

True Link Financial Advisors, LLC, provides investment management for 25+ pooled special needs trusts, bringing the expertise of nationally recognized investment professionals with decades of experience from leading financial institutions. Nonprofit trustees and other fiduciaries entrust us to manage more than $1 billion in assets.

Learn more at www.truelinkfinancial.com/investment-management
WealthCounsel

WealthCounsel
www.wealthcounsel.com/

WealthCounsel has been helping estate planning and elder law attorneys practice efficiently and confidently for over twenty-five years. From creating intelligent documents to staying on top of changing laws, increasing your skill set, and growing your law practice, WealthCounsel provides world-class resources for all of your professional needs
Wells Fargo Bank - Special Needs Trust Services

Wells Fargo Bank - Special Needs Trust Services
www.wellsfargo.com/the-private-bank/solutions/specialized/special-needs-trust-services/

At Wells Fargo, the administration of Special Needs Trusts has been a core business offering since 1996. Currently, we serve over 1,200 clients and their families nationwide. To ensure that our clients receive knowledgeable and responsive service, Wells Fargo has assembled a dedicated team of fiduciary professionals who administer Special Needs Trusts, and other trusts, such as Settlement Preservation Trusts, for beneficiaries living with disabilities. This team works closely with other Wells Fargo professionals, including investment managers, to meet clients’ needs and goals. Wells Fargo assists clients with developing a budget and paying bills, coordinates tax payments, and connects clients with services and resources such as care managers and home health agencies. At Wells Fargo, our mission is to help our clients lead more comfortable, secure, and fulfilled lives.
Comerica Bank

Comerica Bank
www.comerica.com/wealth-management/comerica-trust.html

Comerica’s Special Needs Solutions team has the privilege of serving and advocating for minors, those living with impairments, and others who may benefit from professional financial management. This includes administering special needs trusts, guardianships, minors’ trusts, settlement management trusts, and other similar relationships. The team of compassionate and experienced Trust Advisors maintain low client-to-advisor ratios to maintain a focus on improving the quality of life for their beneficiaries while ensuring long-term financial security.
Krause Financial

Krause Financial
www.krausefinancial.com

Krause Financial is an attorney-led firm that provides asset preservation solutions for estate planning and elder law attorneys and their clients. Using our specialized insurance products, resources, and support, we help attorneys streamline the process of advising clients planning for long-term care.

Our main priority is preserving your client’s assets in the face of long-term care. Our core products include Medicaid Compliant Annuities, long-term care insurance, and funeral expense trusts. We also offer tax-deferred annuities, whole life insurance, estate trusts, non-Medicaid SPIAs, and refusal letters. Along with our products, we provide case analysis and guidance tailored to each client’s unique situation. Our other services include Medicaid application support, fair hearing support, and annuity valuation.
In addition to providing products and services, we are committed to helping attorneys build their practices using our resources and educational tools. We offer live and on-demand webinars, CLE opportunities, state-specific Medicaid resources, our annual Krause Report, video library, white papers, and so much more.
Merrill: The Special Needs Team – Texas

Merrill: The Special Needs Team – Texas
fa.ml.com/california/modesto/snt/

The Special Needs Team at Merrill Lynch is a deeply experienced group of industry professionals. We are dedicated to helping improve the long-term well-being of individuals who are unable to care for themselves by offering financial advice and guidance. Located in multiple offices, we work closely with private professional guardians and family members to provide budgeting, wealth planning and investing designed to assist those who are integral to the care of society’s most vulnerable: people with disabilities, elderly individuals with dementia, accident victims and other special needs populations
Mir Care Consultants

Mir Care Consultants
mircareconsultants.com/

Founded in 2004, Mir Senior Care Management, Inc. & Care Consultants serves individuals faced with the challenges and complexities of aging and special needs by delivering the highest quality of life care management services. We exist to support our clients by providing personalized planning, consultation, education, advocacy and resource navigation.

Services include:
Private Professional Guardianship Program
Holistic Care Planning
Licensed Medical Nursing Professionals
Licensed Social Work Professionals
Assess for Less Restrictive Alternatives
Crisis Intervention
Assessment and Client Support (Developmental, Intellectual, Mental Health, Physical Disabilities, Brain Injuries, & Chronic or Serious Illnesses)
Family Support and Guidance
We serve Central Texas, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande and Brazos Valley Regions, and surrounding areas. Visit our website at www.mircareconsultants.com or call (512) 615-6116.
Richey Insurance Agency, LLC

Richey Insurance Agency, LLC
richeyinsurance.com/

Nothing is better than having peace of mind, knowing that you, your family, and your property are protected from any unexpected events.

Your protection is our priority
For 17 years, we’ve been delivering exceptional insurance solutions to Texas residents. Our customers enjoy savings of up to 40% on their insurance each year.
- Over a decade in the industry
- Network of 100+ carriers
- Local expertise

Services offered
Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Renters Insurance, Landlord Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Health Insurance, Small Business Insurance, Bonds, Flood, Wind/Hail
TEAM Risk Management Strategies

TEAM Risk Management Strategies
www.teamemployer.com/

TEAM is the nation’s leading all-in-one payroll and HR solution custom-built for fiduciaries whose clients pay caregivers, family members, or other service providers from a trust. Nationwide, TEAM provides an employer of record solution that manages all aspects of household employment including payroll, taxes, insurance, HR management, and employee lawsuits.

TEAM’s solution seamlessly addresses 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, tax reporting, and provides full-service access to human resources professionals 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.

Founded in 2003, TEAM has served more than 450 of the nation’s most prominent banks and financial institutions and employs thousands of people in all 50 states.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Texas ABLE

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Texas ABLE
www.texasable.org/

The Texas ABLE Program: A savings program for Texans with disabilities. The Texas Achieving A Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE®) program gives Texans with disabilities and their families the opportunity to save for disability - related expenses in a tax-advantaged ABLE account. Your clients may be able to save for a loved one's disability expenses without affecting eligibility for public benefits.

Funds in an ABLE account can be used to pay for qualified disability expenses that relate to the beneficiary disability and are used to maintain or improve his or her health, independence or quality of life. Texas ABLE is based on federal and state legislation and is maintained by the state through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Learn more and enroll online at TexasABLE.org. 844-4TX-ABLE (844-489-2253)
CustomerService@TexasABLE.org
The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust

The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust
www.thearcoftexas.org/trust/

The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust (MPT) is a pooled SNT with an over 25 year history of serving Texans with disabilities and their families. Established with a commitment to promoting independence and safeguarding financial futures, this trust is a vital resource within the Texas disability community. With a person-centered focus, the MPT provides a unique and innovative solution for managing funds while preserving eligibility for government benefits.

Serving as a dependable ally, The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust navigates the complex landscape of government regulations and financial intricacies. By providing a streamlined and compassionate approach, the MPT empowers individuals to achieve their goals while maintaining the vital support systems that enhance their quality of life. The MPT stands as a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to fostering financial well-being and autonomy within the diverse tapestry of the Texas disability community.

Special Needs Trusts

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Feb. 6, 2025

Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 6, 2025

Friday Morning, Feb. 7, 2025

Friday Afternoon, Feb. 7, 2025

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin

Accommodations

Parking Information

Our Sponsors

Legacy Enhancement Trust

Cadence Asset Management & Trust

Happy State Bank & Trust Co.

Austin Trust Company

American National Bank & Trust

Frost Bank

National Care Advisors

True Link Financial

WealthCounsel

Wells Fargo Bank - Special Needs Trust Services

Comerica Bank

Krause Financial

Merrill: The Special Needs Team – Texas

Mir Care Consultants

Richey Insurance Agency, LLC

TEAM Risk Management Strategies

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Texas ABLE

The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust

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