Thursday, August 22, 2024        

 

11:30 am      

Registration      

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm        

Optional Elder Law Mentor and New Attendee/New Attorney Meet Up

Pick up lunch at Mountain Ration Grab & Go and join experienced practitioners, and those new to the practice, for a welcoming meet and greet.      

 

1:00 – 1:10 pm      

Welcome and Opening Remarks      

Extended by Kayla Nelson, Esq., Sigler & Nelson LLC, and Chelsea Ziegler, Esq., Golden Fiduciary Services, LLC, Program Chairs, and Susie McNulty, Esq., Program Attorney, CBA-CLE      

 

1:10 – 3:10 pm      

Learn effective communication techniques for interacting with deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals. The Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind will offer valuable insights into available tools and strategies to facilitate inclusive interactions.    

Presented by Luke Adams, ADAC, and JoAnne Hirsch, Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind  

Submitted for 2.4 EDI Credits        

 

3:10 – 3:30 pm

Networking Break        

 

3:30 – 4:30 pm    

BREAKOUT SESSIONS        

 

Session A    

Fiduciaries Are Not Magic, Or Are They?      

Oftentimes, it feels like a case is over once a settlement agreement is reached. Yet, how the terms of this agreement are drafted can have a significant impact on the ability of the fiduciary to properly interpret and practically implement the settlement language to reach an effective and successful conclusion in the matter. Practitioners will discuss settlement agreements, both in the context of protective proceedings and probate litigation matters, as well as within the context of trust matters, and learn about the common pitfalls, tips, and tricks from fellow practitioners and fiduciaries so that they can draft more successful and practical settlement agreements in the future.    

Presented by Rikke M. Liska, Esq., and Kate E. Smith, Esq., Liska & Smith, PC        

         

 

Session B    

Engage in insightful discussions with your colleagues, delving into the complexities of law firm management and overcoming the hurdles of legal practice. From handling challenging clients to making strategic decisions such as issuing CYA letters, explore diverse perspectives and practical strategies. Discover effective approaches for addressing emerging issues, uncover essential reading materials to foster professional growth, and glean invaluable insights for shaping career trajectories. Embrace the unscripted nature of these discussions, which offer unparalleled value and authenticity.      

Presented by Emily Bowman, Esq., Kirch Rounds & Bowman PC, and Angela M. Rockwood, Esq., Preeo Silverman Green & Egle, P.C.  

Not submitted for CLE Credit

Only available for in-person attendees        

 

4:35 – 5:35 pm      

Judicial Panel      

Presented by The Honorable Todd Vriesman, 1st Judicial District, and The Honorable Christopher Seldin, 9th Judicial District        

 

5:35 – 7:00 pm    

Welcome Reception    

Sponsored by Guardian Real Estate Group – Probate Team      

       

     

Friday, August 23, 2024        

 

7:30 – 8:30 am

Breakfast      

 

8:20 – 8:30 am    

Welcome Back Remarks    

Extended by Kayla Nelson, Esq., Sigler & Nelson LLC, and Chelsea Ziegler, Esq., Golden Fiduciary Services, LLC, Program Chairs, and Susie McNulty, Esq., Program Attorney, CBA-CLE      

 

8:30 – 9:30 am    

This session will cover the latest trends in the Social Security Administration's review of Special Needs and Pooled trusts; what issues are they looking for? We will also cover the latest SSI policy changes, including the most significant changes to in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) policy in 40 years.      

Presented by Ken Brown, Esq., Social Security Administration (Ret.)    

 

9:35 – 10:35 am    

BREAKOUT SESSIONS        

 

Session C      

This beginner’s level class will provide a basic overview of Special Needs Trusts including what they are, why they are different from most other trusts, who they can be used for, and how to determine whether they are right for your client. The presentation will briefly discuss the history and purpose of these trusts, the fundamental distinction of “First Party” and “Third Party” Special Needs Trusts, and will conclude with a tutorial on how to find essential federal and state regulations to familiarize yourself with before drafting your first trust.      

Presented by Joe Hartwig, Esq., Sigler & Nelson LLC      

 

Session D      

Special Needs Trust: Advanced Workshop (Part 1)

This two-hour workshop will examine hypothetical scenarios regarding special needs trust eligibility and functionality. Sit at a table with one of our Colorado experts, where you will troubleshoot problematic trust language and analyze the applicability of an individual’s public benefits. Attend for the full two hours – or attend Special Needs Trust Basics first and join the Advanced Workshop for the second hour!

Facilitators:    

        - Megan Brand, Executive Director, Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities    

        - Christopher Brock, Esq., Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition    

        - Shauna Clemmer, Esq., The Law Office of Brown & Brown, P.C.  

         - Claire E. Dineen, Esq., Law Office of Claire E. Dineen  

        - Virginia Frazer-Abel, Esq., Frazer-Abel Law, LLC    

        - Bradley J. Frigon, Esq., LLM, CELA, The Law Offices of Bradley J. Frigon    

        - N. Susie Germany, Esq., The Germany Law Firm, P.C.    

        - Byron Hammond, Esq., Law Office of Byron Hammond    

        - Dawn Hewitt, Esq., Chayet & Danzo LLC    

        - Eric Kelly, Esq., Frazer-Abel Law, LLC    

        - Lance E. McKinley, Esq., Solem Woodward & McKinley, P.C.    

        - R. Eric Solem, Esq., Solem Woodward & McKinley, P.C.

Only available for in-person attendees        

 

10:35 – 10:55 am

Networking Break        

 

10:55 – 11:55 am

Session E    

The Baby Boom generation is getting older and there are a lot of us. Learn about what type of scams and other crimes are facing our elderly and disabled population and what we are doing about it. Learn how you can be safe and make sure that your parents and older relatives are safe.    

Presented by Beth McCann, Esq., Denver District Attorney    

 

Session F    

This two-hour workshop will examine hypothetical scenarios regarding special needs trust eligibility and functionality. Sit at a table with one of our Colorado experts, where you will troubleshoot problematic Trust language and analyze the applicability of an individual’s public benefits. Attend for the full two hours – or attend Special Needs Trust Basics first and join the Advanced Workshop for the second hour!

Facilitators:    

        - Megan Brand, Executive Director, Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities    

        - Christopher Brock, Esq., Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition    

        - Shauna Clemmer, Esq., The Law Office of Brown & Brown, P.C.  

         - Claire E. Dineen, Esq., Law Office of Claire E. Dineen   

        - Virginia Frazer-Abel, Esq., Frazer-Abel Law, LLC    

        - Bradley J. Frigon, Esq., LLM, CELA, The Law Offices of Bradley J. Frigon    

        - N. Susie Germany, Esq., The Germany Law Firm, P.C.    

        - Byron Hammond, Esq., Law Office of Byron Hammond    

        - Dawn Hewitt, Esq., Chayet & Danzo LLC    

        - Eric Kelly, Esq., Frazer-Abel Law, LLC    

        - Lance E. McKinley, Esq., Solem Woodward & McKinley, P.C.    

        - R. Eric Solem, Esq., Solem Woodward & McKinley, P.C.  

Only available for in-person attendees        

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm    

Medicaid regulations require that if an individual or the individual’s spouse has transferred assets into a trust or is a beneficiary of a trust, the trust document must be submitted to HCPF (Department of Health Care Policy & Financing) to determine the effect of the trust on Medicaid eligibility. For those members receiving medical assistance with an approved trust, the trust also has certain ongoing compliance requirements. This presentation will provide an overview of the types of trusts and what is required to be submitted, HCPF’s approach to reviewing trusts, what HCPF requires ongoing for trusts, and what is required for compliance with federal and state law, specifically Medicaid regulations.    

Presented by Laura L. Locke, Esq., Trusts and Estates Recovery Specialist, and Tiffany Walker, Esq., Trust Policy & Recoveries Section Manager, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing      

 

1:00 pm

Adjourn      

     

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES      

     

Time: Tee times start at 1:12 pm

Where: Vail Golf Club, 1775 Sunburst Dr., Vail, CO 81657

Cost: $184 per person

Fee Includes: Green fee, cart, range ball, bag handling fees, and box lunch.

First come, first served. Tee times fill up quickly!

Deadline to Signup: Friday, August 16, 2024        

     

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is an internationally acclaimed botanic gardens known for its alpine horticulture, education and conservation. The highest elevation botanical garden in North America, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are situated at 8,200’. Located just east of Vail Village, the in-town bus will easily take you to the Ford Park bus stop. Take a free walking tour. Open from dawn to dusk.      

     

Epic Discovery Mountaintop Adventure Center: Just a short walk from The Hythe, take the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead to the mountaintop for a mountain of fun. You’ll find a mountain coaster, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, tubing hill, zipline and more.      

     

Walking Mountains Science Center: Seasonal dates and times aren’t available yet, but this non-profit offers several daily hikes/nature walks that you can sign up for in advance and join.        

 

5:00 – 6:30 pm    

Annual Wine Reception      

     

Saturday, August 24, 2024        

 

7:30 – 8:30 am

Breakfast      

 

8:15 – 8:30 am    

Welcome Back Remarks and Presentation of the John J. Campbell Award for Outstanding Contribution to The Practice of Elder Law in Colorado        

 

8:30 – 9:30 am    

Join Elizabeth Moran and Andrew Rogers for an overview of The Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (UGCOPAA). Participants will learn key provisions of UGCOPAA, how it differs from current Colorado law, and suggestions for how to successfully incorporate UGCOPAA into their current practice.    

Presented by Elizabeth Moran, Esq., The Arc of Colorado, and Andrew Rogers, Esq., Evans Case LLP        

 

9:30 – 9:45 am

Networking Break      

 

9:45 – 10:45 am    

BREAKOUT SESSIONS        

 

Session G    

Case Law Update

The Case Law Update will explain and discuss recent case law in the past year (2023) that affects the practice of attorneys in elder law, trusts and estates.    

Presented by Scott Challinor, Esq., Conover Law, LLC        

 

Session H    

Fiduciary Unprogram

Are you a professional fiduciary who serves as an agent, guardian, conservator, personal representative, or trustee? This unprogram is intended for you! Connect with your fiduciary colleagues on tips and tricks for serving as a professional fiduciary, including managing demanding clients or beneficiaries, dealing with complex assets, and when to hire counsel. Attorneys need not attend!    

Facilitated by Cheryl Hampton, MA, CRC, CCM, NCG, Human Network Systems, Inc, and Katrina S. Jones, Esq., Katrina S. Jones PC

Not submitted for CLE Credit

Only available for in-person attendees      

 

10:50 – 11:50 am    

This presentation will explore the concept of "Limited Guardianship" and the current use of Limited Guardianships in Colorado. We will consider client profiles and scenarios that may be appropriate for a limited guardianship and what types of limitations could provide the least restrictive intervention.  We will discuss what professional guardians in Colorado have encountered and best practices for guardians, as well as considerations for conservators and attorneys.    

Presented by Sophia M. Alvarez, Esq., M.S., NCG, Colorado Office of Public Guardianship, Roseanne Collison, MA, CMC, NCG, Kinsman Care Management, LLC, and Naomi Richards, LCSW, NCG, ELDEResources LLC        

 

11:50 am

Closing Remarks & Adjourn