2019

Texas NAELA Summer Conference

Galveston Jul 31, 2019 Moody Gardens
Conference Concluded

Overview

The Texas Chapter of NAELA will have its annual meeting and conference in conjunction with the UT Law’s Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference at Moody Gardens in Galveston on Wednesday, July 31. In addition to the annual meeting and award presentations, the conference presents topics and issues regarding various aspects in the area of Elder Law.

New This Year! (This track is currently full.)
Are you a Texas NAELA member? Are you just beginning your practice in Medicaid planning? Are you overwhelmed or just not quite sure how to get started? Are you without help in putting the pieces together to work a case? There may be help for you this year at the Texas NAELA Summer Conference. Texas NAELA is offering a Workshop track at the Summer Conference for the first 24 registrants who RSVP to participate in the Workshop when registering for the Conference. It will be a very hands-on, interactive case study from the initial client call to the possible appeal. Come casual and ready to work!

Event Schedule

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

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Afternoon, July 31, 2019
Presiding Officer:
Paul Premack, The Premack Law Office - San Antonio, TX
10:30 am

Registration Opens
11:00 am

Board Meeting
12:00 pm

Meet the Board: Wednesday's New Members' Lunch

New to TX NAELA? Meet current members at this informal luncheon mixer.
General Sessions
1:15 pm

0.75 hr

Medicaid for Kids

Get an overview of Medicaid programs for minors in Texas, includes challenges, strategies and planning opportunities.

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

Christina Lesher, The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
2:00 pm

0.50 hr

Distributions from SNTs: What is Allowed and When?

A major and very important duty of a SNT trustee is to administer the trust in a way that does not interfere with the trust beneficiary's eligibility for public benefits. This program will discuss (1) considerations to evaluate each distribution request; (2) many examples as to how you may and may not use the SNT to provide for the beneficiary; and (3) some alternatives to consider.

Lori Lynn Noack-May, Cadence Bank, NA - Houston, TX

Lori Lynn Noack-May, Cadence Bank, NA - Houston, TX
2:30 pm

0.50 hr

Lawyers and Ombudsmen – Advocating Together for Residents’ Rights

As required by the Older Americans Act, each state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. The Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which is independent within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, works to improve the quality of life and care for residents of nursing and assisted living facilities by providing prompt, informal complaint resolution and promoting systemic change on behalf of residents’ interests. Explore how lawyers and ombudsmen can advocate for long-term care facility residents’ rights.

Suzanne Mitchell, JD, Nursing Home Policy Specialist, Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Texas Health and Human Services - Austin, TX

Suzanne Mitchell, JD, Nursing Home Policy Specialist, Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Texas Health and Human Services - Austin, TX
3:00 pm

0.50 hr

Health Care Public Policy Issues

Hear a highlight of the latest public health policy issues, including HHS Religious Freedoms for Healthcare Workers; Surprise Bills from Out of Network Providers; Prescription Crises: Not Just Costs Anymore; and Texas Health Care Bills of Note.

Kathy C. Elder, Attorney at Law - San Antonio, TX

Kathy C. Elder, Attorney at Law - San Antonio, TX
3:30 pm

Break
3:45 pm

0.50 hr

Office Practice: Unusual Signing Scenarios and Procedures

In these litigious times, it is crucial that signing procedures comply with all applicable laws. This is especially true when a client has the mental capacity to sign but is physically unable to do so. This presentation will cover execution ceremony scenarios that are governed by specific statutes, as well as those that aren’t – such as marks, stamps, and Xs.

Randy Drewett, Attorney at Law - Beaumont, TX

Randy Drewett, Attorney at Law - Beaumont, TX
4:15 pm

0.50 hr ethics

Aging or Impaired Attorneys: How to Step Away from Law Practice, and When?

A growing number of attorneys are practicing until very late in life and encountering cognitive and other disabling impairments that may lead to the end to wind down a practice. This presentation covers some of the most important considerations involving this subject, including some suggested processes for handling the issue.

Chris C. Ritter, Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program, State Bar of Texas - Austin, TX

Chris C. Ritter, Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program, State Bar of Texas - Austin, TX
4:45 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Diminished Capacity: Potential Clients and Existing Clients

Explore the ethical and legal issues faced by an attorney when engaging a new client or working with an existing client. Also, address specific elder law planning techniques and how a client with diminished capacity might impact that planning.

John R. McNair, J. McNair Dallas Law P.C. - Dallas, TX

John R. McNair, J. McNair Dallas Law P.C. - Dallas, TX
5:15 pm

Pick Up Dinner

Join your colleagues for dinner and drinks.
Medicaid Planning Workshop (limit of 24 registrants)
1:15 pm

2.25 hrs
0.75 hr ethics

Medicaid Planning Nuts and Bolts - A Case Study

This is a full-day Workshop, in three parts, intended for those who are new to Medicaid planning and are having trouble getting started and putting the pieces together. It will be a hands-on, interactive case study from the initial client call to the gathering and interpretation of information, the Medicaid application, correspondence with HHSC, and the possible appeal.

Moderator:
Cathy Kim Fowlkes, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Panelists:
Kelley M. Bentley, The Bentley Law Firm - Houston, TX
Danielle Feick, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Sally A. Mirabella, Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC - The Woodlands, TX

Moderator:
Cathy Kim Fowlkes, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Panelists:
Kelley M. Bentley, The Bentley Law Firm - Houston, TX
Danielle Feick, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Sally A. Mirabella, Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC - The Woodlands, TX
3:30 pm

Break
3:45 pm

1.50 hrs

Medicaid Planning Nuts and Bolts - A Case Study

Continuation of the full-day Workshop, in three parts, intended for those who are new to Medicaid planning and are having trouble getting started and putting the pieces together. It will be a hands-on, interactive case study from the initial client call to the gathering and interpretation of information, the Medicaid application, correspondence with HHSC, and the possible appeal.

Moderator:
Cathy Kim Fowlkes, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Panelists:
Kelley M. Bentley, The Bentley Law Firm - Houston, TX
Danielle Feick, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Sally A. Mirabella, Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC - The Woodlands, TX

Moderator:
Cathy Kim Fowlkes, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Panelists:
Kelley M. Bentley, The Bentley Law Firm - Houston, TX
Danielle Feick, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Sally A. Mirabella, Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC - The Woodlands, TX
5:15 pm

Pick Up Dinner

Join your colleagues for dinner and drinks.
Wednesday Evening, July 31, 2019
5:15 pm

Thank you to our TX NAELA Dinner Sponsor

Cadence Bank
5:35 pm

Annual Meeting, Election of Officers and Member Recognition
Wednesday Evening Dinner (Included in Registration)
Wednesday Dinner Additional Non-Registrant Guest $75
6:20 pm

Return to General Sessions and Medicaid Planning
General Sessions
6:30 pm

0.75 hr

VA Pension Rules (A&A)

A discussion relating to the comprehensive changes that went into effect October 18, 2018 relating to VA Non-Service Connected Disability Pension Benefits. The presentation will explore eligibility requirements, the differences between VA Benefits and Medicaid Benefits, and the planning techniques that Elder Law attorneys should be aware of when advising their clients on public benefits.

Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Erin W. Peirce, Leu & Peirce, PLLC - Plano, TX

Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Erin W. Peirce, Leu & Peirce, PLLC - Plano, TX
7:15 pm

0.75 hr

Medicaid Planning for Couples

Focus on planning for couples needing Medicaid. It will look at the differences between spousal impoverishment and non-spousal impoverishment programs, determine asset protection strategies, and evaluate the effects of various living arrangements on eligibility and asset limitations.

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

Jennifer L. Coulter, Townsend Allala, Coulter, & Kludt, PLLC - El Paso, TX
8:00 pm

Adjourn
Medicaid Planning Workshop (limit of 24 registrants)
6:30 pm

1.50 hrs

Medicaid Planning Nuts and Bolts - A Case Study

Continuation of the full-day Workshop, in three parts, intended for those who are new to Medicaid planning and are having trouble getting started and putting the pieces together. It will be a hands-on, interactive case study from the initial client call to the gathering and interpretation of information, the Medicaid application, correspondence with HHSC, and the possible appeal.

Moderator:
Cathy Kim Fowlkes, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Panelists:
Kelley M. Bentley, The Bentley Law Firm - Houston, TX
Danielle Feick, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Sally A. Mirabella, Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC - The Woodlands, TX

Moderator:
Cathy Kim Fowlkes, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Panelists:
Kelley M. Bentley, The Bentley Law Firm - Houston, TX
Danielle Feick, Fowlkes Law Firm, PC - Abilene, TX
Lori A. Leu, Leu & Peirce - Plano, TX
Sally A. Mirabella, Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC - The Woodlands, TX
8:00 pm

Adjourn

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Kelley M. Bentley

The Bentley Law Firm
Houston, TX

Jennifer L. Coulter

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

Randy Drewett

Attorney at Law
Beaumont, TX

Kathy C. Elder

Attorney at Law
San Antonio, TX

Danielle Feick

Fowlkes Law Firm, PC
Abilene, TX

Cathy Kim Fowlkes

Fowlkes Law Firm, PC
Abilene, TX

Christina Lesher

The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC
Houston, TX

Lori A. Leu

Leu & Peirce
Plano, TX

John R. McNair

J. McNair Dallas Law P.C.
Dallas, TX

Sally A. Mirabella

Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC
The Woodlands, TX

Suzanne Mitchell, JD

Nursing Home Policy Specialist, Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Texas Health and Human Services
Austin, TX

Lori Lynn Noack-May

Cadence Bank, NA
Houston, TX

Erin W. Peirce

Leu & Peirce, PLLC
Plano, TX

Chris C. Ritter

Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program, State Bar of Texas
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

Paul Premack—Chair

The Premack Law Office
San Antonio, TX

April Rogers—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Sandra Perez Ard

Attorney at Law
Dickinson, TX

Randy Drewett

Attorney at Law
Beaumont, TX

Julie Ann Ezell-Perez

Ezell & Ezell, PLLC
Harlingen, TX

H. Clyde Farrell

Farrell & Johnson PLLC
Austin, TX

Cathy Kim Fowlkes

Fowlkes Law Firm, PC
Abilene, TX

Andrea M. Gray

Fargason, Booth, St. Clair, Richards & Wilkins, LLP
Lubbock, TX

John R. McNair

J. McNair Dallas Law P.C.
Dallas, TX

Sally A. Mirabella

Sally Mirabella Law, PLLC
The Woodlands, TX

Bryn A. Poland

Mayo & Poland PLLC
Baytown, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey

Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP
Waco, TX

Meredith Ann Sullivan

Farrell & Johnson PLLC
Austin, TX

Credit Info

Galveston

MCLE Credit

Texas – 5.25 hrs | 0.75 hrs Ethics

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 – 5.25 hrs | 0.75 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.

Key Dates

Galveston – Jul 31, 2019 – Moody Gardens

Conference Concluded

Buy

Galveston

Individual
Last day for $225.00 Regular pricing: Jul 24, 2019
$250.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Jul 26, 2019
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Jul 29, 2019

Venue

Moody Gardens

Seven Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX
888.388.8484 (reservations)

Accommodations

Tuesday night of the room block at Moody Gardens has been exhausted. Other nights are still available. If you would like to book any other nights at Moody Gardens, please use the follow information to book your reservation:
$199 room rate through July 8, 2019 (subject to availability).

To Make a Reservation Online:
Click the link below, choose your dates, and continue the booking process.
https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=14179&nights=1&checkin=07/30/2019&group=UT LAW 2019

To Make a Reservation over the Phone:
Please call the toll free reservations number; 888-388-8484 any time between 6:00 am and 12:00 am seven days a week. In order to get the special $199.00 rate, the caller must ask for the UT Estate Planning, Guardianship & Elder Block.

Nearby accommodations include:
Hilton Galveston Island Resort Beach Hotel

San Luis Resort - Beachfront Hotel

Parking Information

Complimentary self-parking

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 $38 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.
Cadence Bank, Trust & Wealth Services

Cadence Bank, Trust & Wealth Services
cadencebank.com

Cadence Bank’s Trust Services Division, formerly Encore Trust, has been serving the trust and wealth management needs of clients in Texas for more than 50 years, and today manages approximately $1.5 billion in assets. Whether building, managing or transitioning your assets, our talented trust 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, and 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 has two locations in Houston, as well as full-service offices in Austin and Dallas.
Evan S. Howell, Professional Engineer, Real Estate and Property Management

Evan S. Howell, Professional Engineer, Real Estate and Property Management
evanhowell.com

Evan Howell is a real estate broker in the greater Houston area with a passion for real estate and has been active since 1983. Evan champions his family owned business, which specializes in property management, probate sales, and real estate services. Evan S. Howell manages a diverse portfolio of commercial, residential, and single family homes in the greater Houston area with an unparalleled level of service and attention.
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!
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 $38 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.
Keever Law PLLC/American Title Company of Houston

Keever Law PLLC/American Title Company of Houston
keeverlaw.com

Keever & Wiesenthal focuses on real estate, probate and estate planning preparation. We are unique in our ability to reconcile real estate issues within the context of a probate hearing or in the course of estate planning preparation. Partner Pam Keever is the Fee Attorney in our office for American Title Company of Houston. Therefore, we can address your probate, estate planning and real estate transactions with an eye towards realizing the benefit of your family’s largest asset.

Texas is a very unique state in terms of real estate law. Texas attorneys with probate and real estate knowledge can help you address issues, which might cause a legal delay in putting real property into the hands of your loved ones. Keever & Wiesenthal’s priority is to ensure that your family will not have to spend needless time and money to untangle your assets.
Krause Financial Services

Krause Financial Services
medicaidannuity.com

Krause Financial Services is a pioneering, attorney-led financial services firm that specializes in crisis Medicaid planning through the use of Medicaid Compliant Annuities and other insurance products. With over 25 years of experience, we work with elder law attorneys and their clients to accelerate eligibility for benefits and provide relief from the financial hardship of long-term care.

Located just outside Green Bay, WI, we work with attorneys nationwide on their crisis planning cases. We work diligently to ensure we remain up-to-date on all state-specific Medicaid rules and regulations, and our staff of highly-trained Benefits Planners provide one-on-one support for every case our office encounters.
Marc Whitehead and Associates, Attorneys at Law LLP

Marc Whitehead and Associates, Attorneys at Law LLP
disabilitydenials.com

Marc Whitehead & Associates, Attorneys at Law LLP is a disability law firm located in Houston. Practicing since 1992, we have helped thousands of disabled workers and veterans nationwide obtain the benefits they deserve in long-term disability claims, ERISA benefit claims, Social Security Disability claims, Veterans Disability claims and life insurance claims.
Texas Lawyers' Insurance Exchange

Texas Lawyers' Insurance Exchange
tlie.org

Superior Legal Malpractice Insurance and Service
Founded in 1979, Texas Lawyers’ Insurance Exchange is owned and operated by Texas lawyers for Texas lawyers, and provides superior legal malpractice insurance and risk management services to thousands of Texas lawyers and judges. TLIE is committed to serving as a continuous source of professional liability insurance for Texas lawyers in good times and bad.

TLIE is honored to have been selected by the State Bar of Texas as its exclusive preferred provider of legal malpractice insurance in Texas. As a member-owned company, TLIE has returned over $54.3 million to its member insureds through superior underwriting and claim practices over the past 22 years.

Probate Bonds & More
Through its in-house agency, TLIE also offers competitive rates and superior service on probate bonds and other civil court bonds through its partner, The Bar Plan Surety Company (www.texas.onlinecourtbonds.com). Cyber security coverage, business owner’s policy, worker’s compensation and commercial auto insurance are also available.

Texas NAELA Summer Conference

Overview

Event Schedule

Wednesday Afternoon, July 31, 2019

Wednesday Evening, July 31, 2019

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Key Dates

Venue

Moody Gardens

Accommodations

Parking Information

Our Sponsors

Frost Wealth Advisors

Cadence Bank, Trust & Wealth Services

Evan S. Howell, Professional Engineer, Real Estate and Property Management

American National Bank of Texas

Bank of Texas

Keever Law PLLC/American Title Company of Houston

Krause Financial Services

Marc Whitehead and Associates, Attorneys at Law LLP

Texas Lawyers' Insurance Exchange

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