Description

Every adult should have an estate plan that includes a Will, a Power of Attorney, and a Medical Directive. For parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, estate planning is more complicated because parents want to provide for their children while also ensuring that children maintain access to means-tested government benefits like Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Improper estate planning can jeopardize your children’s benefits. This workshop will explain estate planning basics, including a detailed discussion of special needs trusts as well as what to consider when appointing executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries. Attendees will walk away with a concrete understanding about how to provide for their children when they are gone. The workshop will also explain the basics of guardianship and other surrogate decision-making options, with an aim towards attaining the maximum possible independence for your child while preserving vital protections for important decision-making. This 90-minute presentation includes a Q&A for attendees. 

Presenter Bio: Jared B. Oberweis concentrates his practice in estate and trust matters, guardianships, special education and adult services. Jared enjoys representing clients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to ensure their rights are protected. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and is a graduate of West Windsor Plainsboro High School North. Jared was admitted to the New Jersey Bar and Pennsylvania Bar in 2014 after receiving a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. At Duquense University School of Law, Jared served on Duquense Law Review as a Senior Staff Editor. Prior to law school, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Pittsburgh, graduating Cum Laude. Jared is the past President and current Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mercer County (NAMI Mercer). He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Arc Gloucester and Disability Rights New Jersey. He is a member of the Mercer County Bar Association. Outside of work, Jared enjoys golfing, cooking and traveling. He currently lives in Yardville, New Jersey with his wife, Lyssa, and their daughter and dog, Jax.