eConference
2026 Special Needs Trusts eConference
Contains material from Apr 2026
2026 Special Needs Trusts eConference
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The 22nd Annual Changes and Trends Affecting Special Needs Trusts brings together nationally recognized professionals in the Special Needs and Trusts field, features the latest updates and hot topics, and offers a great set of materials including sample forms, drafting tips, sample language, and resources.
Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides
- Total Credit Hours:
- 12.75 | 3.00 ethics
- Credit Info
- TX, CA, OK, PA
- TX MCLE credit expires: 2/28/2027
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Sessions
Credit
1.
Special Needs Trusts 101: The Basics (Apr 2026)
Molly Dear Abshire
1.00
0.00
0.00
1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 53 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 52 pgs
Session 1 —63 mins 1.00
Special Needs Trusts 101: The Basics (Apr 2026)
An overview of the basics of special needs trusts and public benefits including selection of appropriate trust options, pitfalls to avoid, and case examples.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Molly Dear Abshire,
Wright Abshire Attorneys, P.C. - Bellaire, TX
2.
Case Law Update (Apr 2026)
Elizabeth N.R. Friman
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 14 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 20 pgs
Session 2 —30 mins 0.50
Case Law Update (Apr 2026)
A review of recent significant, interesting and quirky special needs-oriented cases. Discuss the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," also known as OBBBA, and implications of this Act for special needs planners. Join us for a fast-paced review.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Elizabeth N.R. Friman,
Fleming & Curti, PLC - Tucson, AZ
3.
Maximizing Public Benefits (Apr 2026)
H. Clyde Farrell, Christina Lesher
1.00
0.25
0.00
1.00 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 311 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 25 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 35 pgs
Session 3 —58 mins 1.00 | 0.25 ethics
Maximizing Public Benefits (Apr 2026)
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.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
H. Clyde Farrell,
Farrell & Johnson PLLC - Austin, TX
Christina Lesher,
The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
4.
Back to the Basics: Examining Our Biases and Building Better Connections (Apr 2026)
Ashley Melero, Peter J. Wall
0.50
0.50
0.00
0.50 | 0.50 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Slides
(pdf)
– 32 pgs
Session 4 —29 mins 0.50 | 0.50 ethics
Back to the Basics: Examining Our Biases and Building Better Connections (Apr 2026)
All professionals working with people with disabilities may carry unrealized assumptions, fears, and biases. This session invites participants to pause and reflect on how those hidden beliefs can shape interactions and the support we provide. Through personal stories, interactive discussion, and honest self-reflection, explore how our experiences and expectations may unintentionally influence the people we serve. By returning to the basics of human connection (curiosity, empathy, and awareness), we can strengthen our ability to see each client as an individual, building a more authentic, person-centered support structure.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Ashley Melero,
The Arc of Texas - Austin, TX
Peter J. Wall,
True Link Financial - Denver, CO
5.
Reporting Trusts to Medicaid and Social Security (Apr 2026)
Scott Stebler
0.50
0.50
0.00
0.50 | 0.50 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 52 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 24 pgs
Session 5 —34 mins 0.50 | 0.50 ethics
Reporting Trusts to Medicaid and Social Security (Apr 2026)
You just established a new trust for a disabled beneficiary. Does it need to be reported to Social Security and Medicaid? Most likely the answer is “Yes!” This presentation discusses how, when, and where to report.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Scott Stebler,
Stebler & Sulak, PLLC - Austin, TX
6.
Looking Back to Look Forward: Planning for Special Needs Beneficiaries (Apr 2026)
Stephen W. Dale, Peter J. Wall
0.75
0.25
0.00
0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 17 pgs
Paper
(pdf)
– 10 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 58 pgs
Session 6 —47 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Looking Back to Look Forward: Planning for Special Needs Beneficiaries (Apr 2026)
Many families and individuals with disabilities are asking how the recently enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will affect their benefits and support programs. This program looks at those concerns through a long-term lens—examining how such changes might impact a 17-year-old with a significant disability who is expected to live another seventy years. By looking back over the past seventy years of disability and social service reform, we can better anticipate the challenges she is likely to face in the decades ahead. The session also highlights best practices for designing and administering special needs trusts that remain flexible, sustainable, and responsive to evolving legal, financial, and care environments.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Stephen W. Dale,
The Dale Law Firm, PC - Pacheco, CA
Peter J. Wall,
True Link Financial - Denver, CO
7.
Medicaid Waivers from Beginning to End (Apr 2026)
Debbie Murphy, Aziza Travis
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Slides
(pdf)
– 41 pgs
Session 7 —36 mins 0.50
Medicaid Waivers from Beginning to End (Apr 2026)
Hear an overview of the Medicaid Waiver process from application through appeals including information on programs and services available in Texas for those with intellectual, developmental and/or mental health disabilities. Gain insight to the appeal process from intake to decision, including issues to spot along the way. Finally, a discussion on outreach strategies and connecting with communities to promote self-advocacy and the use legal assistance with Medicaid denials.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Debbie Murphy,
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas - Dallas, TX
Aziza Travis,
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas - Dallas, TX
8.
A View from HHSC (Apr 2026)
Leslea Tate Pickle
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 30 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 13 pgs
Session 8 —27 mins 0.50
A View from HHSC (Apr 2026)
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.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Leslea Tate Pickle,
Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Austin, TX
9.
A Checklist of Tax Considerations for Trust and Will Modifications and Reformations (Apr 2026)
Nikki L. Laing
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 36 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 38 pgs
Session 9 —28 mins 0.50
A Checklist of Tax Considerations for Trust and Will Modifications and Reformations (Apr 2026)
There are myriad valid reasons to modify a trust or reform a Will that may result in a seemingly favorable outcome for all involved. However, as the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Practitioners must be alert to potential unwanted tax consequences that may be triggered by modifying or reforming estate planning documents.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Nikki L. Laing,
Hallett & Perrin, P.C. - Dallas, TX
10.
Beneficiaries That Work – Important Questions to Ask and Strategies to Consider (Apr 2026)
Elizabeth N.R. Friman
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 7 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 10 pgs
Session 10 —33 mins 0.50
Beneficiaries That Work – Important Questions to Ask and Strategies to Consider (Apr 2026)
Beneficiaries with special needs often find opportunities that provide meaningful personal benefits and generate income. As trustee managing a special trust for a beneficiary who is receiving income from performing work, it is imperative to understand how to advocate for a beneficiary and help that person remain eligible for government benefits.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Elizabeth N.R. Friman,
Fleming & Curti, PLC - Tucson, AZ
11.
Forgetting Who Your Client Is (Apr 2026)
Jennifer L. Coulter
0.50
0.50
0.00
0.50 | 0.50 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 18 pgs
Session 11 —27 mins 0.50 | 0.50 ethics
Forgetting Who Your Client Is (Apr 2026)
The cooperation between trustees, beneficiaries, and other interested parties often seen in Special Needs Trusts may create a trap for the unwary practitioner. This presentation provides practical guidance and ethical requirements for maintaining appropriate attorney/client relationships, not accidentally forming attorney/client relationships, and keeping in mind the client’s needs and duties in forwarding the progress of a SNT.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Jennifer L. Coulter,
Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC - El Paso, TX
12.
Planning for Remainder Beneficiaries and Successor Beneficiaries of Retirement Benefits (Apr 2026)
Karen S. Gerstner
1.00
0.00
0.00
1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 64 pgs
Session 12 —60 mins 1.00
Planning for Remainder Beneficiaries and Successor Beneficiaries of Retirement Benefits (Apr 2026)
In view of the SECURE Act and the July 2024 final Treasury Regulations, this presentation discusses what to consider when planning for the distribution of retirement benefits beyond who should be named as the primary beneficiary of those benefits, including who can (or should) be named as remainder beneficiaries of the trust named as primary beneficiary of the retirement benefits and how should the contingent beneficiary of the retirement benefits be set up in the beneficiary designation form.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Karen S. Gerstner,
Karen S. Gerstner & Associates, P.C. - Houston, TX
13.
ABLE Accounts 101 (Apr 2026)
Vanessa Goodson
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 12 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 31 pgs
Session 13 —27 mins 0.50
ABLE Accounts 101 (Apr 2026)
Gain insight into what Texans need to know about the age adjustment act.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Vanessa Goodson,
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Austin, TX
14.
SSI Update (Apr 2026)
Kenneth Brown
1.00
0.00
0.00
1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 63 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 64 pgs
Session 14 —54 mins 1.00
SSI Update (Apr 2026)
A review of recent SSA policy changes and initiatives from the past year and an alert to the future.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Kenneth Brown,
Attorney at Law - Mt. Airy, MD
15.
Housing Options Panel (Apr 2026)
Christina Lesher, Robert Pierce, Doug Reuschel
0.75
0.00
0.00
0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 10 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 11 pgs
Session 15 —48 mins 0.75
Housing Options Panel (Apr 2026)
Explore the complex landscape of housing options for individuals with disabilities and beneficiaries who present placement challenges. Discuss practical, legal, and ethical considerations in finding and maintaining appropriate housing solutions when traditional placements are not viable.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Christina Lesher,
The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
Robert Pierce,
The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
Doug Reuschel,
Sundance Care Specialists - Houston, TX
16.
Advocate Options for SNT Elder Orphans (Apr 2026)
Marilyn G. Miller, Eiszel Le, Christina Lesher, Nancy Sosa
1.00
0.50
0.00
1.00 | 0.50 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 9 pgs
Paper
(pdf)
– 14 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 26 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 7 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 48 pgs
Session 16 —57 mins 1.00 | 0.50 ethics
Advocate Options for SNT Elder Orphans (Apr 2026)
Elder Orphans, sometimes also called Unbefriended Elders or Solo Agers, comprise a unique set of the aging population. Their situation is often the result of circumstances rather than choice. This presentation examines those instances when the individual also has special needs and how to use the Trustee of a Special Needs Trust to provide critical support.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Marilyn G. Miller,
Marilyn G. Miller, Attorney at Law - Dripping Springs, TX
Eiszel Le,
National Care Advisors - Las Vegas, NV
Christina Lesher,
The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC - Houston, TX
Nancy Sosa,
Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
17.
Administration of Child Support SNTs (Apr 2026)
Tresi Moore Weeks
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 18 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 37 pgs
Session 17 —29 mins 0.50
Administration of Child Support SNTs (Apr 2026)
Child support can be ordered for an adult child with disabilities, and when ordered to be paid into a First-Party SNT and administered correctly, the support may not disqualify the beneficiary from government benefits. This presentation covers how to administer the SNT in this unique situation, including who to name as trustee, how to get the payments from the Attorney General’s office to the trust account, reporting the trust, and advising the trustee how to use the monthly funds when there are other children in the home or the parent has no other income. Also, discuss how to keep difficult parents at bay.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Tresi Moore Weeks,
Weeks Law Firm - Plano, TX
18.
Disabled Adult Children's Program (Apr 2026)
Emily Donaldson
0.50
0.00
0.00
0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 11 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 25 pgs
Session 18 —27 mins 0.50
Disabled Adult Children's Program (Apr 2026)
This session covers basics of the benefit available to a disabled adult child of a worker under the Social Security program known as DAC (Disabled Adult Child's program), or CDB (Childhood Disability Benefit), including the transition from SSI to DAC, once the primary worker elects Social Security retirement benefits or dies.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Emily Donaldson,
Arcare, Inc. - Overland Park, KS
19.
Practical Legal and Ethical Advice about using AI (Apr 2026)
Peter S. Vogel
0.75
0.50
0.00
0.75 | 0.50 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript
(txt)
Paper
(pdf)
– 13 pgs
Slides
(pdf)
– 130 pgs
Session 19 —51 mins 0.75 | 0.50 ethics
Practical Legal and Ethical Advice about using AI (Apr 2026)
In 2026 all lawyers and clients are relying on AI whether they plan it or not, and because of the legal duties that lawyers have to their clients, it is essential that lawyers learn more. Also AI depends on Cloud Computing and related online terms and privacy policies, as a result lawyers need to understand Cloud Computing. Cybercriminals are using AI in 2026 so it is imperative that lawyers better understand Cybersecurity threats. Also, AI is in widespread use in eCommerce so lawyers need to understand how to help clients deal with AI in eCommerce.
Originally presented: Feb 2026 Special Needs Trusts
Peter S. Vogel,
Vogel IT Law - Dallas, TX