Preparing for the Future: Fall Workshop Series

DATE AND TIMES:

Note that all presentations will take place from 9-10 a.m. (Arizona time)

• Friday, September 19: Guardianship and Alternative Options
• Saturday, September 27: In-Person Housing Workshop Please note that this is an IN PERSON workshop. To register, click here.
• Friday, October 3: Special Needs Trusts
• Friday, October 31: Creating a Lifecare Plan
• Friday, November 7: Government Benefits

REGISTRATION:

To register to one or more events, click the "Check Availability" button.

LOCATION:

• Participants will meet online using Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82734461453?pwd=XgvxGxvBojy2wMWbNgia2MAxyHFe3I.1

SCHEDULE & TOPICS:

Friday, September 19: Guardianship and Alternative Options

Presented by Matthew Gobbato. This session will discuss guardianship, limited guardianship, and will share with attendees information about the new Supported Decision-Making (SDM) law and how SDM differs from guardianship. He will explain when an SDM agreement makes sense, and when you would still consider a guardianship appointment instead.

Friday, October 3: Special Needs Trusts

Presented by Megan Selvey. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the various types of special needs trusts and how to determine which one is right for their child or adult with special needs. The session will also cover how these trusts coordinate with other essential estate planning documents, such as wills and living trusts, to ensure your estate is in order and your loved one’s future is protected after you’re gone.

Friday, October 31: Creating a Lifecare Plan

Presented by Karen Starbowski. This session will discuss what will happen to your dependent with special needs when you are gone. Learn the key components of life care planning and how these decisions can shape the long-term well-being and quality of life for a loved one with special needs when you’re no longer here.

Friday, November 7: Government Benefits

Presented by Charlotte Johnson. Turning 18 brings significant changes, including to government benefits for the disabled, such as eligibility for SSI and reassessment for DDD. Participants will explore public benefits planning & eligibility, Social Security, Medicaid, DDD (Division of Developmental Disability), AHCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System), and how they work at that milestone age. This workshop will help you better understand government benefits and techniques to ensure a lifetime of eligibility for your loved one with special needs.

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Event Contact:

Lauren Smith, SARRC's Director of Community Engagement

LSmith@autismcenter.org, (602) 218-8213

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Matthew Gobbato: Matthew A. Gobbato is a Partner with Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C and concentrates his practice on probate matters, estate planning, special needs planning, real estate and trust administration. Matthew received his J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University School (Texas A&M) of Law, and his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business. Matthew is a graduate of Leadership West and is the President of the West Maricopa County Bar Association.

Megan Selvey: Megan Selvey is an experienced attorney specializing in estate planning, special needs planning, long-term care planning, guardianships and conservatorships. She regularly advises clients on matters related to protecting wealth and providing for loved ones with special needs. She is also well versed in all public benefits eligibility rules, including Social Security income benefits and AHCCCS/ALTCS programs.

Karen Starbowski: Karen Starbowski is a SpecialCare Planner. She has been working with the special needs community for almost 15 years. During this time, she has worked with SARRC and their Planned Giving Advisory Council. Additionally, she also works with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and the Down Syndrome Network of AZ.

Charlotte Johnson: Charlotte Johnson has a firm called Elder Law of Arizona located in Tempe, AZ. For over 15 years, she has dedicated her practice to planning for the disabled and the aging. Specifically, she helps clients all over the Phoenix Metro area with special needs trusts, estate planning, guardianships, long term care planning and probate.