Articles by Our Attorneys and Staff
Special Education
- Discipline/behavior
- Educational rights
- IEP development
- Private school
- Spanish
- Instruction
- Evaluations
- Other Special Education/Mental Health Related Articles
Estate Planning/Administration
Special Needs Trusts
Tax
Benefits
Guardianships
Elder Law
Abuse of Children, Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Citizens
Title IX and Internal Investigations for Corporate Organizations, Academic Institutions, and Public/Private Entities
Media
Special Education
Discipline and Behavior
- Expulsion Agreements: Why Parents Should Consult an Attorney Before Signing By Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- As Title IX and University Discipline Change, Our Firm Responds By Joseph McGettigan, Esq. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- How to Respond When a School District Claims it Cannot Test for Dyslexia by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.A., M.S.
- Schools Must Not Use Aversive Techniques such as Restraint and Seclusion To Change Behaviors by John Goldsborough, Esq.
- Policing in Schools
- School Resource Officers and Special Education Students: What School Resource Officers Can and Cannot Do by Heather Hulse, JD, MA, MS
- NOT SO FAST: School Discipline for Students with Disabilities by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Back to Basics: Discipline basics to keep in mind in a changing school landscape by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq
- Email Rules to Live By by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq
- Creating Pathways to Justice® for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Today’s Criminal Justice System by Dean Beer, Esq.
- Playing by the Same Rules: Discipline of Charter School Students with Disabilities by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Students with Behavioral Challenges: Discipline Basics for the Special Needs Student by Michael J. Connolly, Esq.
- Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) vs. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — HOW DOES ONE DISTINGUISH?
- Seclusion and Restraint: What you can do for your child by Caitlin E. McAndrews, Esq.
- Expulsion for Facebook Posting Invalid by Dean M. Beer, Esquire
- Functional Behavior Assessments
- Obligations of School Districts to Address Truancy of Special Education Students by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Programming for Children with Social, Emotional and Behavioral Needs in the Least Restrictive Environment by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Bullying in Schools — What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Child With a Disability
- Discipline of Special Education Students
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse by Students With Disabilities
- School Districts’ Responsibility to Implement Positive Behavior Support and Prohibition of Aversive Techniques for Special Education Students by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
Educational Rights
- Planning for Transition into Adulthood for Adolescents with Special Needs by Kimberly Caputo, Esq.
- Staffing Issues: Services Delayed are Services Denied” by Michael Connolly, Esq., and Rachel Rosenberg, Esq.
- Some Practical Considerations for the Start of Another School Year by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- PA HOUSE BILL 261: Important News for Students with Disabilities by Kimberly Caputo, Esq.
- Landmark Court Decision in Pennsylvania Demands Adequate and Equitable Public School Funding
- March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! by Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed.
- Did You Know That a Special Education Attorney Can Help You… by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Money Damage Claims and Public School Districts in Pennsylvania by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- What To Do If You Believe Your Child Has Dyslexia by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- Schools Cannot “Ban” Critical Thinking on Race and Racism
- Sexual Misconduct in Schools: How We Can (and Should) Learn from the Jerry Sandusky Case by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A. and Joseph McGettigan, Esq.
- Planning for School Year 21-22: Unique Considerations for Students with Disabilities by Dennis McAndrews, Esq. and Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Attorneys Permitted to Attend Special Education Mediation by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- We Cannot – And Must Not – Leave Students with Disabilities Behind
- Individualized Appeals to the Federal District and Circuit Courts by John Goldsborough, Esq.
- Advocating for In-Person Instruction for Your Child with an IEP by Michael Connolly, Esq. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Not All Special Education Attorneys Are As Qualified As You Think: Parents Should Be Sure Their Attorney is Competent by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.A., M.S.
- Maintaining In–Person Special Education Programming When Schools Close or Retrench by Dennis McAndrews, Esq., Michael Connolly, Esq., and Kimberly Caputo, Esq.
- Compensatory Education and COVID-19: Navigating the Process for Children with Disabilities by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- How to Respond When a School District Claims It Cannot Test for Dyslexia by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month! by John Goldsborough, Esq.
- THERE IS A JUGGLING HAPPENING IN SCHOOLS AND PENDING LEGISLATION COULD MEAN GOOD THINGS FOR STUDENTS by Kimberly Caputo, Esq.
- Your Child’s Services are Related to their Needs, not the School District’s Availability by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- SCOTUS Will Not Overturn 3rd Circuit Decision Protecting the Rights of Transgender Students
- Is My Child’s ESY Program Appropriate? by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- What do I need to know about answering NOREPs? by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Summer and Special Needs: How to find the Right Fit?
- When Anxiety Interferes with a Student’s Ability to Learn: IEPs, 504 Plans, and the Limits of District Responsibility by Heather Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- 45-day Temporary Placements: When is a Transfer to an Alternative School Improper?
- Visual Impairment
- A List of Supports That Can Benefit Children with Visual Impairments
- Borderline Intellectually Disabled Student Denied Appropriate Education by Department of Corrections by Heather Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Preparing for the New School Year by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A DISABLED STUDENT’S EDUCATION WHEN A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL FAILS?
- Which Form of Dispute Resolution is Right for Me? by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Picking Up Your Child From School
- From Prison to College: The Power of Special Education by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- WHICH LAWS PROTECT MY CHILD FROM DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT? by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH IN ON THE LEVEL OF BENEFIT REQUIRED FOR FAPE by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Last Resort: Parents Reluctantly Seek Special Education Attorneys and the Significant Consequences by Heather Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Good Grades are not enough to Support a Finding of Ineligibility by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Extended School Year Services for Post- 21 Years of Age
- It’s Mental Health Awareness Month! Shedding Light on the Invisible Disability
- Why Aren’t We Talking about Dyslexia?: Dyslexia and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Mediation: What Parents Need to Know
- The Availability of Attorneys’ Fees in Educational Disputes
- Available Remedies in Educational Disputes
- IDEA’s Statute of Limitations and What It Means to Families
- Navigating Rare and Complex Diagnoses and Disorders
- Does My Child Qualify for a 504 Plan?
- McAndrews Law Offices Wins Significant Court Victories on Issue of “Exhaustion” of Administrative Remedies
- Pennsylvania Superior Court Holds That Most Insurers Must Pay for Autism Services in School by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- The Importance of Legal Representation at a Special Education Due Process Hearing by Heather Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Bus Drivers Must Have All Necessary Information About the Needs of Students with Disabilities by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Students with High IQs Cannot Be Denied Appropriate Testing and Specialized Services for Their Disabilities by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- United States Department of Education Addresses School Districts’ Misuse of Due Process Proceedings
by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq. - English Language Learners: Are Your Child’s Reading Delays Typical or Are They Due to a Specific Learning Disability?
- Transition to School Age Programming
- Top Twelve Myths in Special Education by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- School District Must Allow Student to Handle her Service Dog with Assistance from Staff, Says the U.S. Department of Justice by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- ESY: It’s That Time of Year Again by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- The Lunchtime Dilemma: Accommodating Disabilities and Food Allergies in the National School Lunch Program by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- School Districts Soon Responsible to Address Suicide Prevention
- Abington Heights School District v. A.C.
- Incarcerated Special Education Students are Entitled to an Appropriate Education By Heather M. Hulse, JD, MA, MS
- Delaware’s Special Education “Needs Intervention”
- TEEN MOM MEETS TITLE IX: Legal Protection and Services for Pregnant and Parenting Students in Public Schools
- Time to Prepare for NEXT School Year!
- New Federal Regulations Provide Major Opportunities For Enhanced Special Education Programs For Children With Disabilities by Dennis McAndrews, Esquire
- Behavior is Education, Too! by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MA, MS
- Parents Can (and Should!) Ask for More Frequent Progress Monitoring by Caitlin E. McAndrews, Esquire
- Understanding Your Right to ESY
- Does a Medical Diagnosis Qualify a Child for Special Education?
- Social Skills Deficits in Students with Asperger’s Can Be Addressed by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Is the school responsible for a 12-month program or ESY?
- It’s not ADD – it’s Executive Function Disorder
- Federal Court Appeals of Decisions of Special Education Hearing Officers
- M.D. v. Downingtown School District: Removing an Arbitrary Financial Limitation on a Compensatory Education Award
- Meaningful Progress by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Occupational Therapy for Sensory Needs by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- ESY: There is no One Size Fits All by Caitlin E. McAndrews
- Obligations of Schools to Meet the Medical and Psychiatric Needs of Students by Dean M. Beer, Esquire
- Homebound Students May Not be Excluded from Class Activities by Dean M. Beer, Esquire
- School Districts Must Provide Realistic Work Experiences for Disabled Students’ Transition Plans by Dean M. Beer, Esquire
- School District’s Responsibility in Regard to Student Sexual Harassment and Violence
- Charter Schools and Cyber Charter Schools’ Obligations under IDEA and Section 504
- School Districts’ Responsibilities for Students with School Avoidance Issues by Caitlin E. McAndrews
- School Health and Nursing Services for Students with Disabilities in the Public School Setting
- ADHD and Giftedness by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Speech and Language Services Include Pragmatic Language by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Autism Awareness- What Parents in Berks County Really Need to Know
- For Children with Special Needs, A Free Appropriate Public Education Means More than Just Teaching the 3 Rs
- Research-Based Programs Work for Any Area of Educational Need by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Child Find Under Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act
- Relationship Between Special Education and Medicaid by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Using Curriculum Based Measurement (CBM) for Progress Monitoring in Written Expression and Spelling
- Why You Should Have Medical Assistance for Your Child
- Budget Uncertainty in School Districts: A Time for Vigilance by Parents by Dennis McAndrews, Esquire
- Changes in Special Education Law by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- The Process of Due Process for Special Education Students
- Confidentiality and Access to Student Records Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Disability Harassment and the Responsibilities of Schools by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- New Federal Regulations Provide Major Opportunities For Enhanced Special Education Programs For Children With Disabilities by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Bullying and the Responsibility of Schools
- Accommodations for Disabled Students on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- School Districts and the Mental Health System: Who’s Responsible for Providing FAPE? by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
“Common Pitfalls” – An article series by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- “Common Pitfalls Series” – Informal Communication: Keep it Casual at Your Own Risk
- “Common Pitfalls Series” – Consenting to Evaluations: Why your first instinct may not be correct
- “Common Pitfalls Series” – Look Before You Leap: Considerations before making placement changes for your child with a disability
- “Common Pitfalls Series” – Withholding Information: The dangers of holding back
IEP Development
- Transition Plans Should Not Limit A Student’s Potential To Achieve In Post-Secondary Education (Even If The Student Is Struggling) by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Should Not Limit Them to a Vocational Track by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- The First Marking Period IEP Check-Up by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Questions Every Parent of a Child with Dyslexia Should Be Asking the IEP Team by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Making Sense of Behavior Data in Your Child’s IEP by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Parents’ Special Education Sheets: Reviewing Your Child’s Goals
- CLOSING THE GAP: WHAT’S FAPE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Guidance from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Why Specific IEP Progress Monitoring is So Important by Heather Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Graduation for Students with IEPs
- Plan for Transition Planning: How to Prepare to Discuss Transition Services at Your Child’s IEP Meeting by Caitlin E. McAndrews, Esq.
- Back to School Time! Tips on Having a Successful IEP Meeting
- Understanding Your Child’s Delaware IEP
- Research-Based Programs Work for Any Area of Educational Need by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- United States Department of Education Hold Least Restrictive Environment Mandate
- Applies to Transition Programs
- Back to School with an IEP
- Top Ten Rules to Develop an Appropriate IEP by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
“Improving Your Child’s IEP Month by Month” – A monthly article series by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- DECEMBER – Wrapping Up the Year
- NOVEMBER – Where Do I Go if I Need More Help?
- OCTOBER – How Long Do I Have to Wait?
- SEPTEMBER – Addressing Behavioral Difficulties and Discipline
- AUGUST – How do I Prepare for Back to School?
- JULY – How Do I Access Resources Outside of the School?
- JUNE – Making Use of Apps and Technology at Home
- MAY –What Do I Do if I Disagree with an ESY Proposal?
- APRIL- Requesting, Preparing for, and Attending an IEP Meeting
- MARCH – What to Do if You Need More Information
- FEBRUARY – How to Read Special Education Documents
- JANUARY – Gather Your Documents
- (Complete Library of the series can be found by clicking here.)
“How to Read an IEP”
- How to Read an IEP: Introduction
- How to Read an IEP: Present Levels
- How to Read an IEP: Goals
- How to Read an IEP: Goals
- How to Read an IEP: Specifically Designed Instruction “SDI”
Private School
- Private School Tuition Reimbursement Under IDEA: the “10-Day Notice Requirement.”
- What Parents Should Know About Pursuing Private School Tuition Reimbursement by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Obtaining Private School Tuition Reimbursement from Your Public School District or Charter School
- Private School Placement: Obtaining Tuition Reimbursement for Students with Disabilities
- What Questions Parents should ask when Visiting Special Education Private or Alternative Schools?
- McAndrews Law Office Wins Federal Court Decision For Tuition Reimbursement by Dennis McAndrews, Esquire
- Charter Schools and Cyber Charter Schools’ Obligations under IDEA and Section 504
- Wait and See or Wait and Fail? The Private School Dilemma
- Special Education for Students Attending Private School
- Charter Schools: Same Obligations, Same Rights
Spanish
- Sirviendo a Nuestros Clientes Hispanohablantes en Asuntos de Educación Especial by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Accidentes con Lesiones en las Escuelas y Reflexionando sobre el 50 Aniversario de la Ley de Rehabilitación by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Los Derechos de Estudiantes de Inglés con Discapacidades by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Parent IEP Meeting Checklist for a Child Who is an English Language Learner
- Pennsylvania Guidelines for Identifying Students Who Are English Language Learners and Have Special Education Needs
- Servicios de Enfermería para Estudiantes con Discapacidades en Escuelas Públicas
- Overcoming Obstacles to Getting an Appropriate Education / Cómo Superar Obstáculos Para Conseguir Una Educación Apropiada
- “No Gracias, No Podemos Leer Evaluaciones o Documentos De Su Hijo Escritos en Español.”Cómo Superar Obstáculos Para Conseguir Una Educación Apropiada
- ¿Quieren llevar a efecto los derechos de sus hijos a educación especial, pero teme la represalia? La ley IDEA proteje a padres, al igual que los hijos, contra la represalia.
- Disciplina Para Estudiantes de Educación Especial
- Padres Tienen El Derecho a Una Evaluación Educacional Idependiente Para Sus Hijos Con Fondos Públicos
- Educación Especial: Los Cinco Pasos Del Proceso de Obtener Servicios Para Sus Hijos
- El Camino a la Lectura con Eficacía
- Spanish-Speaking Students Do Not Have to Wait to be Tested for Special Education Services
Instruction
- Understanding the Difference Between Homebound Instruction and Instruction in the Home by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING: WHAT IS IT AND WHY SHOULD I CARE? by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- When Accommodations Are Not Enough: Addressing Executive Functioning in School
- Reading and Intellectual Disabilities
Evaluations
- 5 Tips for Selecting an Independent Evaluator
- THE OBLIGATION OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT TO EVALUATE AND OFFER AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM TO A NON-ENROLLED STUDENT
- Consenting to Evaluations: Why your first instinct may not be correct by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- REQUESTING AN IEE FROM YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT; IS IT BETTER TO ASK FOR PERMISSION OR FORGIVENESS? by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- Why Parents Should Think Twice Before Delaying an Initial Evaluation for MTSS/RTI by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Parents’ Special Education Sheets: Preparing for Your Child’s Evaluation Report Review by Jacqueline Lembeck, Esq.
- Psychological vs. Psychoeducational vs. Neuropsychological Evaluations
- School District’s Obligation to Provide Medical Evaluations
- What Constitutes an Appropriate Educational Evaluation by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Independent Educational Evaluations for Special Needs Students
- Parents’ Rights to a Publicly-Funded Evaluation of Their Child by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- When to Use the General Ability Index in Assessing Eligibility of Special Education Students by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
Other Special Education/Mental Health Related Articles
- WHERE ARE WE NOW: Three Years Since The COVID-19 Pandemic by Michael Connolly, Esq.
- 1 In 3 High School Girls Seriously Contemplated Suicide in 2021 by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Long Halls by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Witnesses to Bullying–Schools May Not Demand That Only Staff Members Can Prove Bullying by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- Recognizing Anxiety in Children
- The Pandemic is Jeopardizing the Mental Health of our Youth by Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed.
- The Assistive Technology Corner
- Homework Tips for Kids with ADHD and Executive Functioning Deficits by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Trauma in Children — School-Based Considerations by Kimberly Caputo, Esq.
- Successfully Transitioning your Child from Hospitalization to School by Heather Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Tackling Anxiety: Learning from Eagles OL Brandon Brooks’ Example by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Don’t Let the Sponge Dry Up! The Importance of Education During Summer Break
- Divorce and Special Education: Factors to Consider by MIchael Connolly, Esq.
- The Reason Why “Grand” is in the Word “Grandfather” – #BreakingTheStigma Surrounding Mental Illness by Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed.
- Top Five Tips to Prepare your Child for the College Application Process
- The Importance of Documentation in Special Education Disputes
- Questions Parents should ask before signing a Settlement Agreement
- Juvenile Justice and Special Education by Dean M. Beer, Esquire
- The Tremendous Impact of School Districts’ Lack of Special Education Programming on the Juvenile Justice System by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness: “I Faked Happiness Every Day. Then a Drug Addiction Story Saved Me” by Allyson M. McAndrews, M.Ed.
- (un?) Happy New Year! Mental illness during the New Year: Things we all should keep in mind by Allyson M. McAndrews, M.Ed.
Estate Planning/Administration
- Using a Disclaimed Property Trust in Estate Planning: Flexibility in Uncertain Times by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Estate Planning: The Importance of a Proper Signature by Dennis McAndrews, Esq. and Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- The Importance Of Revising Your Will and Estate Plan After A Divorce by Dennis McAndrews, Esq. and Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- An Ineffective Estate Plan: Old Advice or No Advice Won’t Fix It by Dennis McAndrews, Esq. and Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Changes in Staff Not Enough for Court Removal of Trustee
- Estate Administration is NOT a DIY Process By Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Estate Planning: Two Priceless Noneconomic Requests By Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Getting in the Room: Supported Decision-Making and Related Processes By Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Prepare Now with a Power of Attorney
- Does Your College Student Need a Power of Attorney?
- Mental Health Power of Attorney
- Proving Spousal Loss in in Wrongful Death Cases by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Time to Check Beneficiary Designations
- Estate Planning for Pets
- Changes to the Probate Process During the Pandemic
- Does Your Will Have a Disaster Clause?
- Changes to Pennsylvania’s Anatomical Gift Act
- Estate Administration: A Word of Caution About Real Estate
- Charitable Giving Considerations in Estate Planning
- ARBITRATION CLAUSES IN NURSING HOME AGREEMENTS: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SIGN
- Planning for Digital Assets
- The Importance of Estate Planning
- Do Not Put Off Estate Planning for Your Blended Family by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Disposing of Tangible Personal Property at Death
- PET TRUSTS: Don’t Forget Fido!
- Estate Planning Lessons Learned from Celebrity Estate Administration
- Start the New Year by Making or Updating Your Estate Plan
- Why You Should Have A Living Will
- The Basic Procedure for Opening an Estate
- Considerations in Selecting a Trustee for Your Children’s Trusts
- New Jersey Enacts the Uniform Trust Code
- Powers of Attorney or Joint Accounts: What is the Best Way to Assist a Loved One with Finances?
- Do You Need a Revocable Living Trust? by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Changes to the Power of Attorney Law Set to Take Effect January 1, 2015
- Federal Court Strikes Down Pennsylvania’s Prohibition of Same-Sex Marriage
- The Small Estates Petition
- Does Your Current Estate Plan Still Fit the Needs of Your Family?
- To Change or not To Change
- The Key Differences Between Medicaid and Medicare
- The Effects of Wrongful Death and Survival Actions on a Decedent’s Estate
- Paying the Creditors of an Estate
- Why You Need A Will by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Investigative Research
- The Key Differences Between SSI and SSDI
- Estate Planning Fee Structure at our Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington, D.C. Area Law Firm
- Estate Planning for Parents of a child with Special needs
- The Importance of a Pre-Paid Funeral or Burial Reserve by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Administering an Estate in Pennsylvania: The Basics by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Estate Planning Considerations for Families with Young Children
- IRAs: What You Need to Know About the Minimum Distribution Requirements
Special Needs Trusts
- Does My Special Needs Trust have a Medicaid Payback? by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Medical Malpractice: Major Change on January 1st, 2023 by Dennis McAndrews, Esq. and Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- Do I Need an IRA Special Needs Trust? by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Some Changes for the Better in Special Needs Trusts by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Can I Leave My Estate to an ABLE Account Instead of a Special Needs Trust? by Lesley Mehalick, JD, LLM
- The Evolution of Special Needs Trusts Law: Part I, Establishing the Trust
- Divorce, Child Support, and Special Needs Trusts
- The Essentials of Special Needs Planning .
- The Military Survivor Benefits Plan and Special Needs Trusts
- Should the Parent/Donor Serve as Sole Trustee of a Third-Party Funded Special Needs Trust?
- Modifying an Irrevocable Special Needs Trust by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Should I leave My Retirement Assets to a Special Needs Trust?
- Special Needs Trusts in Personal Injury Cases – Addressing Some Common Misconceptions
- Matter of Brennen Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts in 2014 for the Personal Injury Attorney by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean for Special Needs Trusts? by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Child Support and the Use of a Special Needs Trust
- Structured Settlements & Special Needs Trust
- Different Types of Trusts for Different Purposes by Dennis McAndrews, Esquire
- Special Needs Trusts in Pennsylvania by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- The Use of Structured Settlements in Special Needs Trusts by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Planning Your Estate: Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Children by Heather M. Hulse, JD, MS, MA
- Special Needs Trusts — Is It Ever Too Late to Create One? by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Elements of a Self-Funded Special Needs Trust by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Estate Planning for a Disabled Child: Coordinating Your Estate Plan with a Special Needs Trust by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- Special Needs Trusts — The Basics by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Special Needs Trusts in Personal Injury Settlements by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Special Needs Trusts — Choice of Trustee by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Special Needs Trust — Addressing Some Common Misconceptions by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Special Needs Trust for Financial Planning Professionals — A Primer by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- The ABCs of Uses of Special Needs Trust Monies by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- The Three Types of Special Needs Trusts by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
- Special Needs Trusts and Financial Aid: What Should Applicants Do?
- Pennsylvania’s Plan to Move Special Needs Residents Out of Institutions Violates ADA
- Sad Case Illustrates: When It Comes to Special Needs Planning, Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow
- Four Special Needs Resolutions for the New Year
Tax
- Storing Excess Cash at Home Can Spell Trouble for Your Estate by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Portability and the Federal Estate Tax: Flexibility in Uncertain Times
- New Jersey Death Taxes
- Death and Taxes
- IRS Ruling Clarifies Tax Treatment for Same Sex Couples. by Lesley M. Mehalick
- The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
- White House Budget Proposes Estate Tax Change
- Tax Treatment of 529 Plans by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M
- Recent Evolving Policies of the Social Security Administration by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M
- Non-Tax Reasons to Plan Your Estate
- New Estate Tax Law Makes 2013 the Year to Review your Will by Dennis McAndrews, Esquire
- Does the Fiscal Cliff Legislation Eliminate the Need for Estate Tax Planning for Clients Worth Less Than $ 10 Million?
- A Quick Primer on the Taxation of Social Security Disability (SSDI) Benefits
- Tax Act Brings Changes to SSI / Medicaid Treatment of Refunds /Tax Credits
Benefits
- Workers with Disabilities Can Now Earn More and Still Keep Medicaid! by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
- The Military Survivor Benefits Plan and Special Needs Trusts
- Pennsylvania ABLE Accounts: A New Tool
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: Who Qualifies
- Will a Special Needs Trust Protect Section 8 Benefits?
- The Importance of Beneficiary Designations for Your Retirement Assets
- Charging Rent to an Adult Who Receives SSI
- The Transition to Health Choices
- The Able Act – Uses and Limitations for Persons with Disabilities and Their Families by Dennis C. McAndrews. Esq.
- Affordable Care Act Expansion in PA – Part I
- Two Pennsylvania Programs Available to Individuals with Autism
- McAndrews Shows HEART to Military Family with Free Legal Services
- Waivers for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- SSI Deeming: Parent to Child
- Alternatives to Waiver Programs
- Can a Nursing Home Hold an Adult Child Liable for Mom’s Unpaid Nursing Home Bill? The Filial Support Law in Pennsylvania
- The Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) Program
- Pennsylvania’s Waiver Program
- Medical Assistance Planning for a Nursing Home Resident Over Age Sixty-Five by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
Guardianships
- November is National Family Caregivers Month
- Appointing A Guardian For A Minor Child
- Guardianship or Power of Attorney: Questions to Consider by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Supported Decision Making in Delaware by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Emergency Guardianship: When is it Appropriate?
- Transferring Guardianship – What Happens If You Move to Another State?
- Seeking Guardianship for a Loved One
- Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney by Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire
Elder Law
- Nursing Home Costs and Medicaid – We’re Here to Help by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Why Is The “Five-Year Look-Back” Critical in Elder Law/Nursing Home Planning? by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Long-Term Care and Your Federal Tax Refund by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- Nursing Home Costs and Exempt Assets – Planning For Your Family Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- “Half a Loaf” Planning for Medicaid and Nursing Home Costs by Lesley Mehalick, J.D., LL.M., and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- National Caregiver Month
- Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community
- Burial Reserves Explained
- The Fine Line Between Protecting Elder’s Civil Rights and Protecting Elders from Harm or Abuse
- The DHS’s New Deal: Major Revisions to Home and Community Based Services
- The Zahner Decision
- Home Care Options for Seniors: Alternatives to Nursing Homes by Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M.
“The Veterans’ Pension, Aid and Attendance, and The Department of Human Services – A Two Part Series
- Part 1. The VA Pension and the intractable income issue of Medical Assistance
- Part 2. The Problem of Conserved, Lump-sum, and Overpaid VA Pension Income
Abuse of Children, Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Citizens
- Senate Report Details Staggering Levels of Abuse and Neglect of Children in Residential Programs by Dennis McAndrews, Esq., and Michael Connolly, Esq.
- World Elder Abuse Day is June 15th
- School Districts’ Obligations in Addressing Allegations of Abuse by Caitlin McAndrews, Esq.
- Effectively Addressing Bullying in School Through an Appropriate Individualized Education Plan by Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A.
- Reporting Abuse of Vulnerable Citizens by Allyson M. McAndrews, M.Ed.
- American College of Obstetricians (ACOG) Recommends Screening Women For Elder Abuse
- Bullying in Schools: An Exploding Problem
Title IX and Internal Investigations for Corporate Organizations, Academic Institutions, and Public/Private Entities
- MAJOR CHANGES TO TITLE IX EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2024 by Daniel Woody, Esq., and Michael Connolly, Esq.
- USING TITLE IX TO ADVOCATE FOR SURVIVORS OF SEX-BASED DISCRIMINATION by Daniel Woody, Esq., and Michael Connolly, Esq.
- The 50th Anniversary of Title IX by Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed.
- Why do so many public and private schools use outside investigations? by Dennis McAndrews Esq.
MEDIA
- The Cosby Trial – Library of all McAndrews Law Interviews
- The Expertise of McAndrews Law Offices in Criminal Law Frequently Intersects with Other Practice Areas by Dennis McAndrews, Esq.
- McAndrews Law Offices’ Connections with Journalists by Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed.