This workshop brings together an experienced financial advisor and a practiced special needs planning and guardianship attorney to give families a clear, practical understanding of both the financial and legal steps involved in planning for a loved one with a disability. Join attorney Malkie Scher Esq. and Ezekiel “Zeke” Zimmerman, MBA, CLTC, as they discuss all aspects of planning, including wills, Special Needs Trusts, guardianship and its alternatives, and tips to preserve eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security.
Guest Presenters:
Malkie Scher is a dedicated attorney for families navigating the complexities of the disability landscape. Her practice focuses on Guardianship and Special Needs Planning, where she provides parents and caregivers with the tools they need to protect their loved ones. Recognizing that long-term security is equally vital, she also specializes in creating Special Needs Trusts. These specialized tools are designed to enhance a beneficiary’s quality of life while carefully preserving their eligibility for essential government benefits. Malkie’s deep commitment to this field is rooted in her previous experience as a Special Education attorney, where she fought for parents in tuition lawsuits against the NYC Department of Education. Her passion for this work began long before her legal career; for years, she has actively worked and volunteered with various organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Zeke Zimmerman is a respected financial professional and educator with 13 years of experience providing financial planning strategies to individuals, families, and business owners. A former NYC DOE math teacher and a special needs parent himself, Zeke is dedicated to continuously educate himself on all of the challenges that “special needs” families face: retirement planning, legal planning, insurance planning, savings strategies, education planning, transition planning, government benefits and services, healthcare, financial security, and more. He understands that as families navigate their way through life, questions and concerns always arise about their own future and about the long-term care and support for their loved ones. Because of his passion, experience, and training, Zeke is able to provide a truly understanding yet comprehensive approach to financial planning. Zeke is a Registered Representative & Investment Advisor of Park Avenue Securities