FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Florence Nathan
732-937-7523
February 15, 2011
You can simply get older...or get older smarter.
The public is invited to a free Senior Citizens' Law Day Conference on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. Three dynamic experts will speak about a variety of issues affecting older Americans and how to plan successfully for the future. The program is sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the New Jersey State Bar Association's Elder and Disability Law Section. A complimentary continental breakfast will be offered. Admission is free but registration is required.
The speakers are attorneys with extensive experience in elder law: Lawrence A. Friedman of Bridgewater; Cynthia Sharp of Sharp Bratton, Haddon Heights; and Cathyanne Pisciotta, a principal in Pisciotta & Menasha, Attorneys at Law in North Brunswick. Mr. Friedman also serves as chair of the Senior Citizens' Law Day conference.
The current economic picture is cloudy at best. But there are steps you can take now to help meet retirement goals and ensure better days ahead. Mr. Friedman outlines those essential tactics in "Secure Your Future in Troubling Times with Planning: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, Long-Term Care and Saving Tax." He will speak about how a lawyer-prepared estate plan can save substantial inheritance tax and estate tax compared to no planning and ways to fund long-term care affordably through Medicaid planning. A former chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association's Elder and Disabilities Law Section, he is a member of the Board of Consultors of the Association's Real Property, Trusts and Estate Law Section. Mr. Friedman received the Association's Distinguished Legislative Service Award for drafting legislation to help New Jersey's citizens use special needs trusts to preserve disability benefits. Recognized in New Jersey Super Lawyers for his work in elder law and special needs, he is a frequent speaker on those topics as well as estate and tax planning. For many years Mr. Friedman has chaired and lectured at programs to teach elder law, special needs, and estate and tax planning to other lawyers. He has contributed to numerous treatises on elder law, special needs, and estate and tax planning and has authored many articles for lawyers and the public. Mr. Friedman has served on the board of directors of many nonprofit organizations including Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey, and as director of the New Jersey chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He received his J.D. and a Master of Laws degree in taxation from New York University School of Law.
Ms. Sharp will speak about the "Tax and Financial Aspects of Retirement Plans," 401(k)s and IRAs including how, when and why to consider converting a regular IRA to a Roth IRA, minimum distribution requirements, deferring tax by stretching out distributions, and the like.
Ms. Pisciotta will address "Guardianships" and discuss when to consider seeking guardianship over a loved one or friend with diminished capacity, how to seek guardianship, considerations regarding the ramifications of applying for guardianship, potential costs the applicant may face and whether the applicant can be reimbursed, alternatives to guardianship, and related matters. She focuses her practice in Elder Law and handles a wide variety of litigation matters including probate, estate and trust disputes. She is a Member of the Elder Law and Disability Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, where she holds the office of Vice Chair. Ms. Pisciotta received both her J.D. and a Master of Studies in Law degree from Vermont Law School. She also earned an Estate Planning Certificate and a Master of Laws Degree (LL.M) in Taxation from Temple University School of Law.
A question-and-answer period follows each presentation. To register, visit the New Jersey State Bar Foundation online at www.njsbf.org, For the Public, Events; call 1-800-FREE LAW; or write to Senior Citizens' Law Day, New Jersey State Bar Foundation, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1520.
Founded in 1958, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation is the educational and philanthropic arm of the New Jersey State Bar Association. The Bar Foundation's mission is to promote public understanding of the law through a free, comprehensive public education program. Among its activities, the Foundation conducts seminars and conflict resolution training, publishes materials, operates a videotape loan library and speakers bureau, and coordinates elementary, middle and high school mock trial competitions. For more information about the Foundation's programs and publications, visit online at www.njsbf.org or call 1-800-FREE-LAW.
Directions: From the NJ Turnpike take Exit 9 to Route 18 North. Follow signs for Route 1 South to Ryders Lane-New Brunswick. The Law Center is the first right turn off Ryders Lane. From Princeton take Route 1 North to the second Ryders Lane exit (Ryders Lane-New Brunswick). The Law Center is the first right turn.