Many of our clients live in an increasingly mobile world, owning property or assets in multiple countries, or maintaining dual citizenship. They may also be United States (US) expatriates or a US person married to a non-citizen spouse. The estate planning process for these clients is likely to be more complex because each country has different laws or statutes regarding wills, trusts, and taxes. As a result, it is imperative that estate planning practitioners have a basic knowledge of the applicable US and foreign laws and rules, as well as commonly used estate planning strategies.  It is not enough to assume that a will or trust created in the US will be honored in another country. 

Symposium is a one-of-a-kind gathering of the finest minds in estate planning and business law. Featuring top-notch and practical education from leading experts in trusts and estates, unparalleled (and unforgettable) networking opportunities, and modern techniques for growing your practice, Symposium has one goal in mind: helping you achieve the practice you want.

Trusts are certainly not the most perspicuous of legal inventions, but they can be a critical part of elder law planning and special needs planning. Experienced professionals understand the nuances of the various types of trusts available, what language is necessary, and which trust would benefit a client in a given circumstance. But for those of us who need a little refresher, let’s get back to the basics and take a dive into some of the lingo and concepts of special needs trusts.

What are Special Needs Trusts?