By Christopher W. Smith, Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices, PLLC Special needs planners regularly encounter families who have accumulated large retirement accounts.  While the...
This is a published decision about the guardianship over a person with a developmental disability (a “DD guardian”), and more specifically, the powers of a DD guardian versus...

CT Adds Housing and Resource Advocate

By Chalgian & Tripp on February 18, 2019

Carrie Alexander
Chalgian and Tripp is proud to announce the addition of Carrie Alexander as our Housing and Resource Advocate.  This is a new position at CT created for Ms. Alexander, who comes...
Chalgian and Tripp is pleased to announce that Attorney Chris Smith has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Special Needs Alliance. The SNA is a national organization of...

Setting Up A GoFundMe Campaign While Preserving Benefits

By Christopher Smith on November 10, 2017

The Detroit News and other news organizations are reporting a tragic story about a woman who was sexually assaulted and had a child. Friends and family started a GoFundMe...
Bringing dignity to practice elder and special needs law
Amy Rombyer Tripp keeps client files filled with details few lawyers would ever think to ask: favorite food, laundry detergent, brand of shampoo. Not every file inside Chalgian...

Our Updated ABLE Brochure

By Christopher Smith on May 11, 2017

9 Things you need to know about ABLE accounts

Are you wondering if an ABLE Account is right for you or for a loved one? Our attorneys have spent countless hours studying the ABLE Act and looking at ABLE programs across the country in order to advise our clients. For you, we have tried our best to compact our knowledge in our recently updated brochure “9 Things You Need To Know About ABLE Accounts.(more…)

Come to a C&T Special Needs Checkup!

By Christopher Smith on April 24, 2017

It’s that time of year again! Every year, the Chalgian & Tripp Special Needs Team goes around the state giving individuals, parents, families, friends, and other...
I hope you find the following article from The Voice (the email newsletter of The Special Needs Alliance) helpful: This installment of the Voice was written by: Tara...

What Is A Medicaid Block Grant?

By Christopher Smith on March 6, 2017

Somewhere in the U.S. Capitol is a locked down health care bill that will likely be introduced by the House of Representatives this week. Early indications are that the draft bill...

Proposed Changes to Public Benefits Create Confusion

By Chalgian & Tripp on February 14, 2017

Since the new year many clients have had questions about how the new administration in Washington might impact the future of public benefits and special needs services.  While we...

10 Costly Special Needs Planning Mistakes

By Chalgian & Tripp on June 6, 2016

special needs planner

In this free download, 10 Special Needs Planning Mistakes to Avoid, you will find the key costly mistakes you can make when planning for a loved one with special needs and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Special Needs Trust Fairness Act Headed To Obama

By Christopher Smith on December 8, 2016

The U.S. Senate and House have now passed the Special Needs Fairness Act, and it is expected to be signed by President Obama in the near future. The Act makes an important change...

An Election Day Diversion – Zombies

By Christopher Smith on November 8, 2016

As we end this intense election season, I thought I would post about something more pleasant...a zombie massacre. If you have not already watched this CBS news clip about best...

Last Chance to Enroll in Medigap Legacy Plan C is November 14th

By Christopher Smith on November 3, 2016

One of the best benefits for individuals with disabilities in Michigan is officially going away November 14th, 2016 (with an effective date no later than December 15, 2016). ...