#102 - Special Needs Trusts

Special needs trusts are one of the first things mentioned when beginning to plan financially for a family member with special needs. In this episode we learn why special needs trusts are such powerful tools and the difference between 1st, 3rd, and pooled trusts. We also learn a management strategy that works well for most families, what to look for when choosing a pooled trust, as well as suggested next steps after the completion of creating the trust. About the Guest: Kevin Urbatsch is a principal of the special needs and settlement planning law firm, The Urbatsch Law Firm P.C. located in Pleasant Hill, California. Kevin also serves as National Director of the Academy of Special Needs Planners (ASNP), a national organization of special needs and settlement planning professionals. Kevin is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Kevin is also a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). In 2013, Parenting Magazine named Kevin as one of the nation’s Top Child Advocates for his work in fighting for the rights of children with special needs. In May 2011, Kevin was presented the NAELA’s Presidential Recognition Award for his work in special needs planning. In each year from 2010 to 2017, Kevin was named a Northern California Superlawyer. In 2009, Kevin was named KRON-TV’s Best of the Bay estate-planning attorney for Northern California. Kevin is a frequent lecturer to professionals and consumers on special needs and estate planning. He also is the author (or co-author) of several books and treatises. Kevin has been a member of the California Bar since 1993. He received his law degree from St. Louis University in 1993 and his undergraduate degree from Truman State University in 1988. He began his California law practice as a litigator where he specialized in a variety of matters, including but not limited to elder financial abuse, Americans with Disabilities Act public access cases, and trust and estate litigation. This show is the 2nd of 12 episodes in a series focusing on Special Needs Financial Planning Find Kim on Instagram as Journey2Lomah Find LOMAH on Facebook as LOMAH