Issue: 2024 Vol. 34 No. 1

The Importance of Evaluations for Students With Disabilities

In the prior issue of the Elder Law and Special Needs Law Journal, I wrote about the individualized education program (IEP) process. The foundation of an appropriate IEP is recent, comprehensive evaluations. In this article, I will lay out some of the key items that you need to know about evaluations for students with disabilities. … Continued

Tales From the Trenches

Pre-Trench tale from the author: The English language unfortunately does not have a simple singular pronoun that does not specify gender. This is my first attempt to use “they/them” in my writing. In 1864, in the poem, Lucrece, Shakespeare wrote, “Every one to rest themselves betake.” So while my request for latitude is neither original nor … Continued

Message From the Section Chair

With the 2023-2024 New York State Bar Association Elder and Special Needs Law Section term nearing its end, I want to thank the officers, executive committee, and each of the members of this wonderful section for your participation and energy. It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve as your chair. At our Annual … Continued

Message From the Co-Editors

We hope everyone is having an enjoyable spring and gearing up for an exciting summer! At the time of this writing, it is early April and our section is preparing for our 2024 summer meeting, which is being held in Montreal, Canada. We hope everyone can join us. Katy and I wish to first and … Continued

Member Spotlight: Lauren Mechaly

Q: Where are you from? A: I was born in Manhattan, but I grew up in New Jersey. Q: Where is your favorite place you have traveled to? A: Israel Q: What led you to work in the field of elder law and special needs planning? A: I fell into it. I concentrated in labor and employment law … Continued

End of Life, Elder Abuse, and Guardianship: An Exploration of New York’s Surrogate Decision-Making Framework

Ms. S,1 an 82-year-old woman, was referred to the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Justice at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, a shelter for older adults experiencing abuse, by her Article 81 guardian due to her 56-year-old son’s neglect, psychological abuse, and financial exploitation. Prior to her shelter admission, Ms. S had been living … Continued

Doctor Says Alzheimer’s Is Optional

Quite by accident, I recently stumbled upon some very interesting work on the subject of cognitive impairment. The landscape in the area of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) drug research has been dismal for the longest time. Of all the drug studies that have been done and of the drugs that have made it to market, not … Continued

Do I Need a Genealogist To Probate a Will?

We have all been there. A client walks into your office and tells you that they have no family. “There has to be a cousin out there somewhere” you say, thinking to yourself that you better set up a trust for this person because probate is going to be a nightmare. “Yes, there is a … Continued