Legal Planning for Special Needs in Massachusetts by Barbara D. Jackins Here's a new book filled with useful information. Purchasing information follows. A portion of each sale will be contributed to MFOFC. We appreciate your support. Please use the link below if you are interested in purchasing this book, or mention MFOFC if you purchase a copy by mail. Below is a letter describing the book, written by the publisher. ............................................................................................................... Dear Colleague: A practical guide to legal planning specifically for Massachusetts parents of children with special needs and those who counsel parents is now available. Attorney Barbara D. Jackins first became interested in planning issues many years ago when her son, who has developmental disabilities, was a young child. Eventually her law practice became almost completely centered on areas of the law that are important to families like her own: disability, public benefits, and estate planning. On 2005, Barbara was the lead author of the Special Needs Administration Trust Manual: A Guide for Trustees. Legal Planning for Special Needs In Massachusetts: A Family Guide to SSI, Guardianship, and Estate Planning represents what Attorney Jackins has learned in over 25 years of practicing law. In a relaxed, conversational style, she explains the essential elements of SSI (Supplemental Security Income), guardianship and estate planning when there is a child with a disability in the family. In this new 327 page book, parents can find the information they need to: Obtain SSI benefits for a son or daughter who is age 18 or over. Contribute to an adult son's or daughter's financial support without reducing SSI. Understand the court process for guardianship, including what must be done when an adult son or daughter takes any antipsychotic medication. Learn about alternatives to guardianship. Protect a son's or daughter's inheritance from being lost or mismanaged while assuring continued benefits. Coordinate life insurance and retirement assets with an overall estate plan. Barbara's new book has already been widely praised: "Legal Planning for Special Needs is an excellent planning guide. Parents…will benefit by having this book at hand." ~ From the Foreword by Theresa M. Varnet, J.D., LCSW, Attorney, Parent Past President, The Arc of Massachusettts "This book is a 'must have' reference manual for all parents who have children, teens, and adults with Asperger Syndrome." ~ Dania Jekel, Executive Director, Aspergers Association of New England "This easy-to-read guide answers the questions you didn't know you needed to ask." ~ Susan Nadworny, Chairperson, Families Organizing for Change "The author's expertise, empathy, and easy writing style all combine to create the relaxed intimacy of a conversation over coffee with a very good, knowledgeable friend." ~ Carol Beard, member, DMR Citizen Advisory Board, DMR Citizen Review Board, past President, Greater Boston Arc "This comprehensive guide is an amazing resource. You are going to see this book on the shelf of every professional advocate in the state." ~ Jerry Silbert, Autism Society of America National Board President, ASA Massachusetts Chapter PLEASE CLICK HERE to purchase Legal Planning for Special Needs In Massachusetts, with a credit card, You can also order by regular mail by sending $28 ($24 for the book + $4 for postage and handling) to: DisABILITIESBOOKS, Inc., 33 Pond Avenue, #807, Brookline, MA 02445 Thank you, Stan Klein Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D. Director, DisABILITIESBOOKS.com (617) 879-0397 Return to Recommended Reading Page