Most parents of children with disabilities spend years focused on therapies, medical appointments, school services, and daily support needs. In the midst of all of that, one important question is often left unanswered: What will happen to my child when I am no longer...
We meet the lifetime legal needs of children and adults with disabilities, the elderly, and their families.
Trusts
What Is a Special Needs Trust? A Guide to Planning for Individuals with Disabilities
Planning for the future of a loved one with a disability requires thoughtful coordination of legal, financial, and public benefit considerations. One of the most important tools available to families is a special needs trust. In this article, we use the term “special...
Hickman Lowder Recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®
We’re proud to share that Hickman Lowder has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® for the Cleveland, Ohio metropolitan area in the following practice areas: Elder Law, Trusts and Estates Law, and Litigation – Trusts & Estates. The U.S. News –...
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy – Why Every Ohio Adult Should Start Now
At Hickman Lowder, we see estate planning as an act of love and responsibility—a meaningful way to show how much you care about your family’s future. Whether you’re building your first career, raising a family, or preparing for retirement, our attorneys can help you craft a plan that reflects your goals and protects what matters most.
Historic Update for Trustees of Special Needs Trusts
If you are a corporate trustee or a family member or friend serving as trustee, you should be aware of an important policy change taking effect this fall that affects beneficiaries of special needs trusts who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust – March 9, 2024
On March 9, 2024, Hickman Lowder held another session of our webinar, Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust. It was hosted by Attorneys Ethan A. Welch, George O. Aljoe, and Helen L. Rapp. A recording of this presentation is now available for viewing at https://youtu.be/Zf4Dva_HrNM.
What are the benefits of a trust?
When creating an estate plan, many people use legal tools to supplement the creation of a will. Everyone’s needs regarding estate planning are unique, but trusts can generally offer benefits that a will cannot. In essence, a will serves as a list of instructions...
Hickman Lowder Lawyers Recognized as 2024 Best Lawyers® Award Recipients
Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., LPA attorneys Janet L. Lowder, Franklin J. Hickman, and Ethan A. Welch were recently recognized by Best Lawyers as 2024 Best Lawyers® Award Recipients.
Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts – March 25, 2023
On March 25, 2023, Hickman Lowder Attorneys Elena A. Lidrbauch and Helen L. Rapp hosted the webinar, Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts. They discussed general planning considerations and legal documents that are frequently used by families, including different...
Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust – February 25, 2023
Hickman Lowder is dedicated to ensuring successful administration of the trusts that we draft for your family members with special needs. This includes educating your trustees so they are prepared to successfully administer the trust you have established. On February...