From a US Supreme Court decision that proceeds of life insurance purchased by a closely-held corporation to redeem a deceased owner’s shares must be reflected in the fair market value of the corporation for estate tax purposes, to the Texas Supreme Court’s decision requiring prior occupancy for a home to be excluded from countable resources for Medicaid eligibility and a US Supreme Court case ruling that the Federal Arbitration Act requires a stay, not dismissal, of suits pending arbitration, we have recently seen significant legal developments.

From a new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notice that extends relief for some beneficiaries of inherited individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to the release of a final rule by the Social Security Administration (SSA) omitting food from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in-kind support and maintenance calculations and a US Supreme Court case clarifying the harm that must be shown for employees to make a Title VII discrimination claim, we have recently seen significant legal developments. To ensure that you stay abreast of these changes, we have highlighted some noteworthy developments and analyzed how they may impact your estate planning, elder and special needs law, and business law practices.

Potential elder law clients are also clients of accountants, financial planners, healthcare professionals, insurance agents, and even other attorneys. For that reason, other professionals are one of the best sources of good referrals. 

Speaking to referral sources is different from presenting directly to potential clients. You must thoroughly prepare to speak to other professionals because, unlike potential clients, other professionals likely have some background knowledge of elder law. At the same time, you will want potential referral sources to see you as the expert on elder law, so must talk like you are the expert.