2025

Texas NAELA Summer Conference

San Antonio Jul 30, 2025 La Cantera Resort & Spa $345 Individual | $445 after Jul 16 $310 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $410 after Jul 16 $275 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $375 after Jul 16

Register

Related products: Materials

PRESENTED BY
The University of Texas School of Law
Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

EVENT SPONSORS
Legacy Enhancement Trust
Cadence Asset Management & Trust
Frost Bank
Happy State Bank & Trust Co.
Medivest Benefit Advisors, Inc.

EXCLUSIVE WI-FI SPONSOR
American National Bank & Trust

EXCLUSIVE LANYARD SPONSOR
Austin Trust Company

CONFERENCE SPONSORS
AshBer
Bank of Texas
Capital Title of Texas | Tim Allums-Realtor KW Heritage
CareFor
Colvent Group
Elder Law Trio Press
Krause Financial
Merrill: The Special Needs Team – Texas
Mir Care Consultants
National Care Advisors
WealthCounsel

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 La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 30th. In addition to the annual meeting, the conference presents topics and issues regarding various aspects in the area of Elder Law.

Event Schedule

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

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Morning, July 30, 2025
Guest Meal Package—$60

Have family members or guests joining you in San Antonio? You can now purchase a guest meal package for each of your guests, that includes Wednesday's lunch and reception.
10:15 am

Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens
10:30 am

Board Meeting

All TX NAELA members are welcome to join.
11:30 am

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.

Thank You to Our Luncheon Sponsor
Wednesday Afternoon, July 30, 2025
General Session
11:50 am

Welcoming Remarks
12:00 pm

0.50 hr

Transitioning Between Public Benefit Programs

Changes in a client’s health, living arrangement, resources, or income can derail the client’s well-crafted, and sometimes long and hard-fought, eligibility plan. Learn how to help a client on public benefits when the client needs the services of a different program than the one they are on.

Benecia Flores, Petrosewicz Law Firm, P.C. - Richmond, TX
12:30 pm

0.75 hr

Can’t I Even Discharge My Student Loans in Death? A Practical Guide to Handling Probate Creditors

A practical guide to handling debt in probate estates from the initial inquiry into whether there is debt to the final payment or barring of any creditors. Discuss set-asides and family allowances as well as MERP, how to treat secured and unsecured creditors, and how creditor processes vary in dependent and independent administrations.

Jennifer L. Coulter, Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC - El Paso, TX
Jessica L.D. Guobadia, Crain Caton & James - Houston, TX
1:15 pm

15-Minute Break to Visit Exhibitors
1:30 pm

0.75 hr

Stretch it Out: Drafting and Funding Trusts that Qualify under SECURE Act 1.0 and 2.0

The SECURE Act 1.0 and SECURE Act 2.0 changed the rules regarding naming trusts as beneficiaries of qualified accounts. Learn how to avoid pitfalls so that your trusts protect your clients' loved ones as intended.

Christopher T. Freyder, Rainey & Rainey, PLLC - Georgetown, TX
2:15 pm

0.50 hr

Don't Screw Up the Guardianship Case for the Future Litigator

Realistic strategies for handling contested guardianships, including tips for voir dire, jury trial and appeal.

Jessica Newill, Gardner Law Firm - San Antonio, TX
2:45 pm

0.75 hr

Trust me, It’s Taxable: Trust Income and Estate Tax for Elder Law Attorneys

This session breaks down the complex world of trust taxation with a practical focus on grantor status, special needs trusts, Medicaid planning, and estate tax inclusion.

John K. Ross IV, Ross & Shoalmire PLLC - Texarkana, TX
3:30 pm

15-Minute Break to Visit Exhibitors
3:45 pm

0.75 hr

Planning with Marital Property in Mind

Marital property can be a friend or foe. An understanding of marital property rules and planning strategies related to them are an essential tool in any elder law attorney’s toolbox.

Ruth-Ann Toups, The Toups Law Firm - Spring, TX
4:30 pm

0.50 hr

Scammed Clients: How to Advise from a Law Enforcement Perspective

Learn about some of the most common frauds and scams, where to report suspected fraud and scams and share tips to protect yourself from scammers.

Sharleigh D. Drake, Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigations Division - San Antonio, TX
5:00 pm

0.50 hr ethics

Real World AI Use in Elder Law Practice

Hear real examples from the field on how elder law attorneys use AI today—and what they have learned along the way.

Ben King, Ross & Shoalmire PLLC - Texarkana, TX
P. James Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, PLLC - Waco, TX
5:30 pm

Break to Business Meeting and Reception
Medicaid Planning Workshop ($95 materials fee, limit of 24 registrants)
NOTICE

Attendees must RSVP and pay an additional fee of $95 for the Medicaid Planning Workshop when registering for the conference. Attendance is limited to the first 24 people.
11:50 am

Welcoming Remarks
12:00 pm

1.25 hrs

Medicaid Planning Nuts and Bolts - A Case Study

A comprehensive Workshop, in three parts, intended for those who are new to Medicaid planning and are having trouble getting started and putting the pieces together. A hands-on, interactive case study from the initial client call to the gathering and interpretation of information, the Medicaid application, correspondence with HHS, and the possible appeal.

Lori A. Leu, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
Lauren Olson, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
1:15 pm

15-Minute Break to Visit Exhibitors
1:30 pm

2.00 hrs
0.50 hr ethics

Medicaid Planning Nuts and Bolts - A Case Study

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

Lori A. Leu, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
Lauren Olson, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
3:30 pm

15-Minute Break to Visit Exhibitors
3:45 pm

1.75 hrs

Medicaid Planning Nuts and Bolts - A Case Study

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

Lori A. Leu, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
Lauren Olson, Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC - Plano, TX
5:30 pm

Break to Business Meeting and Reception
Wednesday Evening, July 30, 2025
5:30 pm

Wednesday Evening Reception

Thank You to Our Reception Sponsor

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Jennifer L. Coulter

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

Sharleigh D. Drake

Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigations Division
San Antonio, TX

Benecia Flores

Petrosewicz Law Firm, P.C.
Richmond, TX

Christopher T. Freyder

Rainey & Rainey, PLLC
Georgetown, TX

Jessica L.D. Guobadia

Crain Caton & James
Houston, TX

Ben King

Ross & Shoalmire PLLC
Texarkana, TX

Lori A. Leu

Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC
Plano, TX

Jessica Newill

Gardner Law Firm
San Antonio, TX

Lauren Olson

Leu, Peirce, & Olson, PLLC
Plano, TX

P. James Rainey

Rainey & Rainey, PLLC
Waco, TX

John K. Ross IV

Ross & Shoalmire PLLC
Texarkana, TX

Ruth-Ann Toups

The Toups Law Firm
Spring, TX

Key Dates

San Antonio – Jul 30, 2025 – La Cantera Resort & Spa

San Antonio

Individual
Last day for $295.00 Early Bird pricing: Apr 4, 2025
Last day for $345.00 Regular pricing: Jul 16, 2025

$445.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $265.00 Early Bird pricing: Apr 4, 2025
Last day for $310.00 Regular pricing: Jul 16, 2025

$410.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $235.00 Early Bird pricing: Apr 4, 2025
Last day for $275.00 Regular pricing: Jul 16, 2025

$375.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Jul 25, 2025

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Jul 28, 2025

Venue

La Cantera Resort & Spa

16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
210-558-6500
855-499-2960 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

We have secured a special $223 room rate and discounted $30 resort fee good through July 1, 2025 (subject to availability). Book online or contact the hotel directly at 210-558-6500 and reference the UT Law CLE Elder Law Conference.

Parking Information

Self parking is available at no charge. Valet parking is $40 per car, per night.

Our Sponsors

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

Legacy Enhancement Trust

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.
www.legacyenhancement.org/
Cadence Asset Management & Trust

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.
cadencebank.com/wealth-management
Frost Bank

Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR), a financial holding company with $52.5 billion in assets on December 31, 2024. 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. For more information, visit www.frostbank.com. www.frostbank.com/
Happy State Bank & Trust Co.

“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.
happytrust.com/
Medivest Benefit Advisors, Inc.

Medivest is a national Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) compliance company. In 1996 we were the first company to professionally administer a Medicare Set-Aside arrangement. For almost 30 years Medivest has been an innovator, creating pre-settlement and post-settlement solutions. Our experienced claims professionals, using state of the art software, adjudicate bills in a quick and timely manner. In addition to Professional Administration, Medivest provides other services including preparing MSA Allocation reports, Lien Resolution, verifying Social Security/Medicare eligibility, and Trust Advisor services. For more information on Medivest please visit www.medivest.com. www.medivest.com/
American National Bank & 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.
www.amnat.com/trust/
Austin Trust Company

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.

www.austintrust.com/
AshBer

AshBer is an independent insurance agency specializing in Medicaid Compliant Annuities as short as 2 months and long-term care insurance solutions. AshBer partners with attorneys and financial advisors across the country to deliver industry-leading service and premier insurance solutions to their clients offered by “A” rated insurance carriers. www.ashber.com/
Bank of Texas

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.
www.bokfinancial.com/
Capital Title of Texas | Tim Allums-Realtor KW Heritage

Capital Title is the Largest Independent Title Company in the United States. Texas-based and family-owned, we base our business philosophy on a strong set of “Values and Ideals” which guide us toward the goal of delivering excellence to every customer. With over one hundred Texas offices, our closing teams are the most experienced, dependable escrow professionals in the title industry. Debbie Levasseur, with 15 years of experience, is well versed in all types of title transactions. She prides herself on communication and customer service.

Tim Allums has specialized in probate listings for the past several years and is essential when helping evaluate property conditions. He works closely with attorneys, executors, and administrators. Tim is passionate about real estate and sharing his knowledge with others in the community. His wife and co-agent, Becky, works alongside him and has years of experience in the real estate industry. When leisure time presents itself, they enjoy travelling, fast cars, and the pursuit of excellent BBQ. ctot.com/
CareFor

CareFor is a premiere Care Management, Homecare, and Guardianship Program serving Central Texas. We bring compassion and order to the complexity of caring for others. Our team members have been entrenched throughout the medical and caregiving communities in Central Texas for decades. CareFor knows the doctors, service providers, resources and facilities and we have the expertise to support you and your loved ones. Our combined experience and knowledge will help you identify and understand your options and make timely and sound decisions. Whether you need us now, or are planning ahead, CareFor manages the most difficult and immediate needs. carefor.com/
Colvent Group

Trust property is complex, we make it simple. With the Colvent Group HomWize program, large project oversight, and compliance reports, we have you covered. We specialize in nationwide home management and maintenance. Our services span all 50 states. We have forged partnerships with local, licensed, insured contractors to ensure that homes are purchased, repaired, and maintained with excellence…the Colvent way.

HomWize is our exclusive, proactive maintenance program that plays a key role in worry-free property management. Our standard in applying root-cause problem-solving techniques is the cornerstone of our company to ensure all requirements are well defined and executed. Conveniently scheduled HomWize maintenance calls and visits catch small issues early – saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run. HomWize gives insight to know when a major repair or replacement is due, which keeps you, the trustee, in control. colventgroup.com/
Elder Law Trio Press

Elder Law Trio Press

Elder Law Trio Press is a group of three law firms that co-author books. These firms are H. Clyde Farrell of Farrell & Johnson PLLC in Austin, Texas, Patricia “Patty” Flora Sitchler, a solo practitioner in the Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler in La Vernia, Texas [retired from solo practice] and Of Counsel to Rainey and Rainey Attorneys at Law LP, and Wright Abshire, Attorneys, A Professional Corporation which includes Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire in Bellaire, a city within Houston, Texas. They currently co-author the 2020 edition of Texas Elder Law which is the 51st Volume of the Texas Practice Series published by Thomson. store.legal.thomsonreuters.com/law-products/Treatises/Texas-Elder-Law-2022-ed-Vol-51-Texas-Practice-Series/p/106818612
Krause Financial

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.
www.krausefinancial.com
Merrill: The Special Needs Team – Texas

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.
fa.ml.com/snt
Mir Care Consultants

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, Houston, Brazos Valley Regions, and surrounding areas. Visit our website at www.mircareconsultants.com or call (512) 615-6116.
mircareconsultants.com/
National Care Advisors

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

www.nationalcareadvisors.com
WealthCounsel

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. www.wealthcounsel.com/