Discover essential strategies for special needs planning in this informative webinar designed for families and caregivers of children with disabilities. Gain valuable insights into legal decision-making options, financial tools like ABLE accounts, and effective approaches to secure long-term care and support for your loved ones.
Attorney Franklin A. Drazen has earned the distinction of Certified Elder Law Attorney from the National Elder Law Foundation. A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Attorney Drazen earned a B.S. in Finance and Economics with highest distinction from Babson College and was awarded his Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law. He also earned an Advanced Law degree in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1977, the Massachusetts Bar in 1978 and the United States Tax Court in 1983. Attorney Drazen’s practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, estate administration and probate, Title XIX (Medicaid) planning and eligibility, Life Care Planning, business continuation, disability and special needs planning, trust planning and administration, and related tax matters. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Milford Bar Association, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association.
Attorney Drazen is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) and has served on numerous committees and sections for the organization. He is currently a member of its Tax Steering Committee. He founded the Connecticut chapter of NAELA and served as the chapter’s first president. In 2011, Attorney Drazen was voted as CT-NAELA’s Member of the Year. In 2010 and 2011, Attorney Drazen was nominated by his peers as a result of his legal work on behalf of clients to the Connecticut Super Lawyers, who comprise the top of their profession.
Attorney Drazen was also a founding member of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association (LCPLFA) and has been a member of its Board of Directors since the LCPLFA was founded in 2005. In addition to serving as the LCPLFA’s first mentor for less experienced members, he has held many leadership roles and is currently serving as President. Attorney Drazen is also a member of National Elder Law Foundation and served as a member of the Appeals Committee for the CELA examination process.
Active in his community, Attorney Drazen is a member of the Orange Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Members for the Orange/Milford branch of the YMCA for many years. He also served on the board of the Milford Chamber of Commerce and was elected to the Woodbridge, CT Board of Education.
Attorney Drazen is a popular speaker whose seminars on estate planning and elder law issues draw audiences of all ages. He has been speaking at adult education events, public seminars and professional association events since 1992.
Attorney Steven L. Rubin has earned the distinction of Certified Elder Law Attorney from the National Elder Law Foundation. He has been in training for his dream job as an attorney, since he was 5 years old. His trustworthy, shoot-from-the-hip, “pull no punches” approach is appreciated by clients. Most of his passion stems from the fact that Steve knows what it’s like to sit on the other side of the desk.
While Steve was in law school, his mother was diagnosed with ALS and given less than a year to live. He was thrust into a number of roles that his clients often find themselves in — caregiver, advocate, provider, and concerned loved one.
While his mom lost her battle to ALS, Steve vowed never to give up the fight. He finished Widener University School of Law and has dedicated his career to helping his clients deal with tough issues — such as death, incapacity, disability, special needs, social security, asset protection, litigation and taxes – and providing that assistance in the best and least stressful way possible.
Attorney Rubin was born in New Haven and has been a life-long Connecticut resident. He graduated from Cheshire High School and the University of Connecticut (UCONN) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While attending the University of Connecticut, Attorney Rubin was a member of the governing counsel for the Housing Board of Directors and the vice president of the Jewish Student Association. He graduated UCONN a member of Phi Alpha Phi — the national political science honor society.
Attorney Rubin then attended Widener University School of Law in Pennsylvania. While attending Widener, he was a member of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society and participated in numerous Moot Court arguments. He was also a founding member of the Animal Rights Legal Society and Treasurer of the Environmental Law and Policy Society, involvements that put into action his values and ideals.
Attorney Rubin has passed the Bar in Connecticut, New York, and Florida. He is a member of organizations that reflect his career directions and active participation: Connecticut Bar Association; the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association; the New York Bar Association; the Florida Bar Association; the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers; the Florida Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; the New York Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; New Haven Bar Association, New Haven Bar Association Young Lawyers; New Haven Bar Association Public Service Committee; the New Haven Bar Association Trusts and Estates Committee; Court Relations Committee; and the American Bar Association. His practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, estate administration and probate, Title XIX (Medicaid) planning and eligibility, Life Care Planning, business continuation, disability and special needs planning, trust planning and administration, and related tax matters.
Attorney Rubin volunteers his free time at the Veterans Legal Clinic, providing free advice to veterans who otherwise could not afford legal representation. When not working, Steven enjoys reading books, watching and attending sporting events, and spending time with his dog and family. He is a fundraiser for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, and the American Cancer Society. Attorney Rubin also volunteers his time at soup kitchens and other philanthropic activities.
ADMISSIONS:
United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
State of Connecticut
State of New York
State of Florida
Accredited by the Veterans Administration
Implications and Preparing For Adulthood
When a child with disabilities approaches age 18, parents and caregivers often find themselves surprised and overwhelmed to learn that they will soon lose the legal right to manage their child’s affairs or make key medical and financial decisions on the child’s behalf. Special Needs Planning is critical to ensure parents can stay in control and access key benefits/resources necessary to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood and beyond. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children with disabilities are invited to attend a FREE educational workshop with attorneys Franklin Drazen and Steven Rubin, where they will learn how to navigate the complicated world of special needs planning to make the best decisions and prepare for the future.
How to determine if your child needs a full or limited Conservatorship with the local courts, or possibly a less intrusive alternative, to enable you to retain the legal ability to make medical, financial and personal decisions when your child with disabilities becomes a legal adult.
How to use ABLE Accounts if your child will be a semi-independent adult, so he or she can manage money and accumulate some savings without jeopardizing benefits eligibility.
How to prepare the “next in line” caregivers to manage your child’s affairs if you ever become sick, disabled or pass away and can no longer provide care. We’ll show you legal tools to utilize (i.e. Living Trusts, Special Needs Trusts) so you can have the peace of mind knowing your child will always be cared for the way you want and that their future security is not jeopardized because of money mismanagement or misunderstanding of the role.
