Vanarell & Li, LLC, Westfield, NJ Elder Law Attorneys

Color illustration of divorce proceedings.

Aug

Despite Divorce, Ex-wife is Entitled to Decedent’s Bonds Based on “POD” Designation

August 21, 2024

Prior to his death, the decedent (Michael) and his wife (Jeanine) had divorced and entered...

Men's health awareness illustration featuring father and son.

Jun

Celebrate Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month

June 18, 2024

As we celebrate Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month, let us take the time to...

May

Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Attends NAELA Annual Conference on Elder Law and Special Needs Planning

May 11, 2017

Apr

How Does an ABLE Account Impact Eligibility for Public Benefit Programs Based Upon Financial Need?

April 15, 2017

New Jersey’s ABLE law (the acronym is short for “Achieving a Better Life Experience”) went...

Apr

How to Write a Memorandum of Intent to Guide the Trustees of a Special Needs Trust

April 6, 2017

The Memorandum of Intent is a personal letter drafted by you intended to give your...

Mar

Why It Is Important to Have an Attorney Who Focuses on Special Needs Trusts

March 1, 2017

Many attorneys create trusts, and some even create special needs trusts, often using pre-written templates. ...

Feb

Appeals Court Upholds $21 Million Punitive Damage Award in Elder Abuse Lawsuit

February 24, 2017

A California court of appeals affirmed a jury award against the owner of a construction...

Dec

SSA issues Emergency Memorandum Confirming that People with Disabilities Now Able to Create their own Special Needs Trusts

December 19, 2016

In a prior blog post, I discussed the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, recently-enacted federal legislation...

Dec

Five Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Child’s IEP Meeting

December 16, 2016

Parents who have a child with special needs in school will meet annually with the...

Dec

People with Disabilities Now Able to Create Their Own Special Needs Trusts

December 13, 2016

The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, federal legislation that will allow people with disabilities to...

Dec

Special Needs Trusts and Divorce / Part 2: Child Support

December 5, 2016

(On December 1, 2016, I moderated the first Advanced Special Needs Trust Symposium, an all-day...

Dec

Special Needs Trusts and Divorce / Part 1: Alimony and Property Settlement Agreements

December 2, 2016

(On December 1, 2016, I moderated the first Advanced Special Needs Trust Symposium, an all-day...

Nov

Estate Planning for the Special Needs of Disabled Adults: Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts

November 16, 2016

On November 15, 2016, I presented at the Second Annual Caring for Caregivers Conference at...

Sep

VA Survivor Benefit Plans and Special Needs Trusts

September 18, 2016

The VA’s Survivor Benefit Plan Program The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) available through the Department...

Sep

Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. to Moderate the Advanced Special Needs Trust Symposium

September 9, 2016

“Use of Special Needs Trusts in Cases Involving Divorce” to be presented by leading NJ...

Jul

Federal Appeals Court Rules Special Needs Trust Distributions May Not Be Counted As Income By Section 8 Housing Program

July 8, 2016

Reversing a federal district court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled...

May

Disability Planning for New Jersey Residents (Video)

May 8, 2016

Vanarelli & Li, LLC provides Special Needs Trusts and Disability Planning Attorney Services throughout...

May

10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Administering a Special Needs Trust

May 1, 2016

The mission of the Academy of Special Needs Planners (ASNP) is to maintain a professional organization...

Mar

NJ Law Revision Commission Considers Statutory Revision to Codify Supreme Court Decision in Saccone Case

March 8, 2016

The New Jersey Law Revision Commission (“NJLRC”) is an independent legislative commission of the State...

Jan