Understanding Special Needs Trusts

Join us for the February 2025 Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, February 5th , from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Charlie’s Restaurant . This month, we’re honored to welcome Ellen Cookman , a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and the founder of Cookman Law, as our featured speaker.

About the Presentation:

Ellen will present on Special Needs Trusts , a critical estate planning tool designed to provide financial security and resources for individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for government benefits. Her discussion will include:

An overview of Special Needs Trusts and how they work.

Key considerations when drafting and funding these trusts.

Best practices for ensuring they meet both client goals and legal requirements.

Real‑world examples to help you navigate the complexities of planning for individuals with special needs.

Why It Matters to You:

As estate planning professionals, understanding the nuances of Special Needs Trusts is essential when working with clients who have family members with disabilities. Ellen’s expertise and practical insights will empower you to guide clients through this important aspect of their estate planning process.

Ellen Cookman founded Cookman Law in 2015 to help families of all shapes and sizes plan for the future and make use of available resources. She is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization and holds an LL.M. in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate from Golden Gate University. Ellen brings both professional and personal experience to her practice, living in East Palo Alto with her family, including her older son, who has high‑functioning autism.

This dinner meeting is a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Special Needs Trusts, connect with fellow professionals, and enjoy a great evening with the REEPC community.

RSVP Today to secure your spot at this informative event!

We are proud to have Exchange Bank’s Trust & Investment Team as the sponsor for our February 2025 Dinner Meeting. With a strong commitment to serving the local community, Exchange Bank’s Trust & Investment Team provides personalized trust and investment management services to individuals, families, and businesses. Many of the professionals on their Trust Team are valued members of REEPC, and their expertise and dedication align closely with the mission of our council.

Thank you, Exchange Bank, for your generous support of REEPC and for helping us bring valuable programming to our members!

We are thrilled to have Shannon Family of Wines as the wine sponsor for our Dinner Meeting. Known for their commitment to sustainability and crafting exceptional wines, Shannon Family of Wines brings a perfect balance of tradition and innovation to their winemaking process. Their dedication to quality and care shines through in every bottle, making them a standout in California wine country.

Thank you, Shannon Family of Wines, for your generous support and for helping make our event even more enjoyable!