Elder Law, Probate, and Estate Planning

~ David Myers and Sandy Buzney have been named The Best Lawyers in America in the specialty of Elder Law.  Janet Lowder also received these honors in the areas of Elder Law and Trusts and Estates.

~ Janet Lowder and Dave Myers have been selected by their peers as Ohio Super Lawyers for 2008.

~ Sandra Buzney and Mary McKee co-authored the article “Special Needs Individuals Deserve Special Estate Planning,“ which appeared in the October 18, 2007 issue of Cleveland Jewish News.  A PDF copy of the article is available on our web site by clicking this link.

~ Amanda M. Buzo spoke at the 7th Annual Ohio Adult Sibling Conference on October 12th and 13th in Columbus, Ohio. The annual conference is sponsored by Ohio SIBS (Special Initiatives by Brothers & Sisters) and is planned by The Ohio State University Nisonger Center.  It offers a unique opportunity for adult siblings of individuals with disabilities to share family experiences, develop relationships and obtain valuable information related to services and supports available to their siblings. Amanda spoke on the topic of guardianship and guardianship alternatives.

~ David Myers spoke at Recovery Resources on September 25, 2007.  Recovery Resources empowers individuals to conquer substance abuse, addiction, and mental illness.  The event focused on helping the agency’s clients plan for the future.

~ Amanda M. Buzo spoke on the topic of Medicare Part D at the Medicare Seminar on September 12, 2007 at the Forum in Cleveland, Ohio.  The seminar was sponsored by the Ohio State Bar Association.

~ Amanda M. Buzo spoke at the Hattie Larlham Cafe in Hudson, Ohio, on August 23, 2007.  Hattie Larlham is a not-for-profit organization that provides services to individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.  Hattie's Cafe is an educational environment where people with disabilities can learn skills that that will continue to assist them through their careers.  Amanda, along with Karen Ausprunk, the Executive Director of Community Fund Management Foundation,  spoke on the topics of estate planning for people with special needs and public benefits.

~ Janet Lowder was quoted in Crain’s Cleveland Business regarding the need for parents of children with special needs to not only plan for their own future, but also for their child’s future.

~ Janet Lowder participated in the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) Symposium on Saturday, May 5, 2007.

~ On March 24, 2007 Janet Lowder spoke on "Special Needs Estate Planning at the Parent Transition Fair sponsored by the Cuyahoga East Vocational Education consortium (CEVEC).  The Fair was held at Mayfield High School.

~ On March 17, 2007 Amanda Buzo was a presenter at the annual "Transition Weekend: My Life, My Future" organized by the Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University.  The weekend was an opportunity for families, students and their transition team members to learn about the transition from high school to the work force.  Amanda presented on the topic of estate planning for individuals with special needs.

~ Amanda Buzo presented "Estate Planning and Trusts for Special Needs Individuals and Their Families" to the Service and Support Staff of the Mahoning County Board of MRDD on Friday, March 16.  This program was part of the in-service training provided to the Support Administrators.

~ On March 15, 2007 Janet Lowder, Mary McKee and Amanda Buzo were featured speakers at the Ohio State Bar Association's Elder Law seminar to be held at the Forum in Cleveland, Ohio.  Janet Lowder spoke on "Estate Planning for People with Disabilities".  Mary McKee presented an "Overview of Social Security Disability".  Amanda Buzo covered Medicare Parts A, B and D.

~ For the third year in a row, Janet Lowder was named one of Ohio’s Super Lawyers in the January 2006 Law & Politics magazine as a result of a general survey taken by attorneys across Ohio.  Janet was also named one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Ohio for the second year in a row.