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 Guardianship • Estate Planning • Government Benefits
When a child with different abilities reaches adulthood, parents lose the right to make decisions on their child's behalf for medical treatment, continuing education, or employment. If it is essential that a parent remain actively involved in making important life decisions, parents must seek legal guardianship of their adult child. At the Law Offices of Julie Michaels Keegan, we help parents and family members obtain legal guardianship through the courts (under SCPA article 17-A or Mental Hygiene Law article 81) so they can continue to protect their children's best interests. Contact guardianship attorney Julie Michaels Keegan to learn more. Guardianship for Elderly Persons and Vulnerable AdultsChildren with disabilities and special needs are not the only ones who need protection through guardianship. We also assist families who are seeking guardianship of elderly parents or relatives who are suffering from mental illness or debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer's. An Article 81 guardianship gives a family member the legal right to make decisions for increased care and supervision, to assist with finances, and to make necessary medical decisions on behalf of elderly or vulnerable adults. Estate and Financial Planning for Children with Special NeedsEstate planning is an important concern for the parents of special needs children. Every parent should have a current will and estate plan. We offer comprehensive estate planning services from wills and trusts to health care proxies and durable powers of attorney. Many children with developmental and other disabilities will be eligible for government financial aid, but if a child has or receives substantial assets (for example, a lump-sum insurance payment), that may disqualify him or her from receiving government benefits. Estate planning can maximize the resources your child has available in the future while preventing ineligibility for government benefits. Options include supplemental needs trusts and other special trusts to shelter gifts of money, inheritances, and personal injury or malpractice awards. Allow us to help you develop a plan that protects and provides for your child in the future. Contact Albany estate planning lawyer Julie Michaels Keegan. For your convenience, we schedule appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. Government Benefits for Children with DisabilitiesChildren with disabilities may be entitled to a variety of government benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Medicaid. While some programs limit eligibility based on family income, others do not. At the Law Office of Julie Michaels Keegan, we assist parents and caregivers in securing government benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid for children. We can provide a “map” through the maze of eligibility requirements and procedures, and aggressively pursue appeals when initial claims are denied. Contact our New York State law office for information, assistance, and a strong legal advocate on your side in caring for your special needs child.  | |
Law Offices of
Julie Michaels Keegan (518) 877-4040 • Fax (518) 877-4050 | | | Main Office:
18 Coventry Drive
Clifton Park, NY 12065-1746
| Satellite Office:
1202 Troy-Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110-1095
Map and Directions | | New York special education attorney Julie Michaels Keegan represents children and parents in the greater upstate New York. With offices just north of Albany, we have assisted clients in many upstate counties including Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, Washington, Warren Fulton, Montgomery County, Schoharie, Broome, Franklin, Oneida, Oswego, and Herkimer. | Printer Friendly View
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