Sheryl Dennis from Fields and Dennis, LLP was quoted in the most recent edition of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in “Assets of Divorce-created Trust Subject to Personal Injury Claim” by Pat Murphy.
The ABLE Act: Tax-Free Savings for People with Disabilities
Recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act provides the opportunity for those who became disabled before the age of 26 to set up tax-free savings accounts where they will be able to save $14,000 a year without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
Before the ABLE Act, to be eligible for government programs like Medicaid or Social Security, those with special needs could not have assets in their name surpassing $2,000. Read more.
College Planning for Special Needs Students
College is an investment in your child’s future and it is no doubt worth it, but with education costs rising, it can certainly be expensive. Planning for your child’s education should be a priority and many benefit from starting early. Starting a “college fund” in a child’s early years can be a smart investment, as it maximizes the amount of time you have to save, while also maximizing the amount of interest your money has time to earn. Many consider a 529 College Savings Plan a great way to save for college because it sets aside the money and grows tax-free. But if your child has special needs, there may be more to consider. The Academy of Special Needs Planners recently discussed ‘College Savings for Students with Special Needs’ in their most recent newsletter, highlighting the pros and cons involved with various types of college savings options. Read more.