ABA Elder Law Committee Winter 2020 REPORT

Winter 2020 ABA Elder Law Committee COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 

Division Number and Name: Division 3: Practice Specialty

Division Director Name: Rolf Schuetz 

Reporting Board or Committee: ABA Elder Law Committee

Completed By: Kenneth Vercammen Co-Chair, Edison, NJ

1.What has your board or committee done since its last report (e.g., conference call, meetings, use of discussion lists, planning for CLE programs, publications and articles, collaboration with other boards, committees, or sections)?

- Helped promote the Fall Carlsbad meeting on Facebook, Google and other webpages 

-Scheduled program at GP Solo/GLSA 2020 Joint Spring Meeting in San Juan

Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law-New Ideas to Expand & Excel Your Practice the Ethical Way

DATE:                     Thursday, April 30, 2020                 

TIME:                     2:15pm-3:15pm

- Invited members to Participate in ABA Aging conference calls

-Participated in quarterly ABA Commission on Law and Aging. These calls are open to ABA staff and Members with an interest in developing programing, policy or publications on issues relating to aging and law.   

-Helped continue to publicize Solo Division’s book “Wills and Estate Administration Practice” approx 240 pages to help raise revenue for section- Sale of book continue to be good

-      Added Committee report to Elder Law blog and forwarded to all committee members

Welcomed new members

-      Invited members to attend NJ Bar Association Jersey Shore Happy Hour July 10, 2020

2.What is the status of your board or committee’s business plan for the year (e.g., participation of board or committee members, goals achieved, and new goals)?

a. Invite all members to participate in the ABA Quarterly Law and Aging Networking Call Monday January 13th 2:00 PM Eastern Time

 Call in 866-646-6488   Conf Code 437-258-9620

  Please join us to discuss Programs, Publications Or Policy Proposals On issues in Law and Aging.

These calls are open to all ABA Members and Staff who are working on issues in law and aging.  These are great opportunities to share what you are doing, ask for collaboration or input. 

b. Promote Seminar: Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law-New Ideas to Expand & Excel Your Practice the Ethical Way April 30, 2020

c Waiting on date for proposed program board June 2020 webinar Estate Planning and the Successful Practice-This practical program is designed to provide the nuts and bolts of estate administration practice to general practitioners, young lawyers, or those who are just seeking to expand into this growing field as the Baby Boomer Generation, which makes up about half our population, continues to age.

-      - Future to do- Schedule Committee meeting at Fall meeting 

3.Does your board or committee need any assistance from the Director, Staff, Division Officers, or Council? If yes, please explain:

Yes  We need help setting up future programs and meetings.

-The Committee anticipates guidance, support and/or involvement from our Division Director regarding publicizing the Wills and Estate Administration book

ACTION ITEMS

List any action items to be presented to Council. 

 None needed, but I thank the Chair, Officer’s & Council for affording me the opportunity to serve as Committee chair

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

List any informational items to be represented to Council. These items are matters for the Council’s information and do not require action. 

None needed

Steve Wildi  

Rolf Schuetz rcsjratty@gmail.com

gp-ElderLaw@Mail.americanbar.org

kenv@njlaws.com

Winning Strategies in Municipal Court Seminar

Winning Strategies in Municipal Court Seminar
Monday, April, 2020
5:30pm-9:05pm
NJ Law Center, New Brunswick

Speakers: Kenneth A. Vercammen, Esq., Author ABA Criminal Law Forms
Norma Murgado, Elizabeth & Woodbridge Prosecutor,
Lorraine Nielsen, Prosecutor Milltown, East Brunswick, North Brunswick
Joshua Reinitz, Esq.
John Menzel, Esq.

Program agenda
5:30 Recent case law, Court Rules, Conditional Dismissal and Status of Legalized Weed, - Kenneth A. Vercammen, Esq.

5:50 Initial client interview; getting retained; dealing with the prosecutor - Kenneth A. Vercammen, Esq.

6:20 Driving While Suspended – Joshua H. Reinitz, Esq.

6:50 Drug Cases, DREs and what not to do to annoy the prosecutor – Lorraine Nielsen, Esq.

7:30 Immigration, Assault and miscellaneous proceedings – Norma Murgado, Esq.

7:45 DWI/Under the Influence of Drugs - John Menzel, Esq. with prosecutorial response

8:15 Alcotest/Ignition Locks/Alcotest Refusal – John Menzel, Esq. with prosecutorial response

8:45 DWI: Point-Counterpoint – John Menzel, Esq. and Norma Murgado, Esq.

9:00 Question & Answer

New Jersey's #1 guide to handling municipal court matters.
This information-packed program is designed for attorneys who do not concentrate in municipal court law, including general practitioners seeking to expand into this practice area, and not novice attorneys looking to create a niche practice. Seasoned municipal court lawyers will also be able to brush up and enhance their skills.
Hear a panel of NJ respected municipal court practitioners give insight into winning strategies for the cases you are handling. You'll quickly be able to represent clients in a wide range of cases you may have otherwise referred to others. Gain confidence in your ability to handle municipal court law matters - make an investment in your legal career and register today!

Sponsor NJICLE Institute for Continuing Legal Education, a Division of the NJSBA
(732) 214-8500 CustomerService@njsba.com

General Tuition: $170
NJSBA Member: $136
NJSBA Section Member: $128 Municipal Court Judges 1/2 price

Presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Municipal Court Practice Section Seminar ICMCP096219 NJ
Law Center 1 Constitution Sq. New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Includes 300 page book, which is available for purchase after program

Wills, Estate Planning & Probate Seminar- Woodbridge Library

Woodbridge Library
Wills, Estate Planning & Probate Seminar
May 18, 2020 at 7pm Monday
WILLS & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION-PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND MAKE PLANNING EASY Free program open to the public, you do not need to be a Township resident to attend. Veterans are encouraged to attend for Veterans’ month
SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. Edison, NJ (Author- Wills and Estate Administration by the ABA)

Main Topics:
1. NJ Estate Tax eliminated
2. The 2019 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax

3. Power of Attorneys recommendations
4. Living Will & Advance Directive
5. Administering the Estate/ Probate/Surrogate
6. Avoiding unnecessary expenses and saving your family money
COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, "Answers to Questions about Probate" and Administration of an Estate, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.
Woodbridge Public Library
1 George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge NJ 07095
732-634-4450

Free Will Seminars and Speakers Bureau for Groups

10 years ago the AARP Network Attorneys of the Edison/Metuchen/Woodbridge area several years ago established a community Speakers Bureau to provide educational programs to AARP and senior clubs, Unions and Middlesex County companies. Now, Ken Vercammen, Esq. and volunteer attorneys of the Middlesex County Estate Planning Council have provided Legal Rights Seminars to hundreds of seniors, business owners and their employees, unions, clubs and non-profit groups. For additional information on the Legal Seminars, contact our Coordinator, Kenneth Vercammen's law office at (732) 572-0500, email VercammenLaw@njlaws.com
Details on free programs available

East Brunswick Library Wills, Probate & Estate Planning 2020

Wills, Probate & Estate Planning 2020
East Brunswick Public Library
March 11, 2020 at 7PM Thursday
Open to the public. You don’t have to be a town resident to attend.

SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. Edison, NJ
Author ABA Wills & Estate Administration
Main Topics:
Room Location: Meeting Room 3
Estate administration can be very complex, and having some information before you begin can help you through the process.

In this workshop, Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. will discuss various topics, including:
1. NJ Estate Tax eliminated
2. The 2020 changes in Federal Estate and Gift Tax
3. Dangers of not having a proper current Will
4. Power of Attorneys recommendations
5. Living Will & Advance Directive
6. Avoiding unnecessary expenses

COMPLIMENTARY MATERIAL: Brochures on Wills, "Answers to Questions about Probate" and Administration of an Estate, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Real Estate Sales for Seniors, and Trusts.
East Brunswick Public Library 732-390-6781
Att: Melissa Hozik

East Brunswick Public Library
2 Jean Walling Civic Center East Brunswick, NJ 08816


Free Will Seminars and Speakers Bureau for Groups

10 years ago the AARP Network Attorneys of the Edison/Metuchen/Woodbridge area several years ago established a community Speakers Bureau to provide educational programs to AARP and senior clubs, Unions and Middlesex County companies. Now, Ken Vercammen, Esq. and volunteer attorneys of the Middlesex County Estate Planning Council have provided Legal Rights Seminars to hundreds of seniors, business owners and their employees, unions, clubs and non-profit groups. For additional information on the Legal Seminars, contact our Coordinator, Kenneth Vercammen's law office at (732) 572-0500, email VercammenLaw@njlaws.com
Details on free programs available

These quality daytime educational programs will educate and even entertain. Clubs and companies are invited to schedule a free seminar. The following Seminars are now available:
1. WILLS & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION-PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND
MAKE PLANNING EASY
2. POWER OF ATTORNEY to permit family to pay your bills if you are temporarily disabled and permit doctors to talk with family
All instructors are licensed attorneys who have been in practice at least 25 years. All instructors are members of the American Bar Association, New Jersey
State Bar Association, and Middlesex County Bar Association. All programs include free written materials.

You don't have to be wealthy or near death to do some thinking about a Will. Here is your opportunity to listen to an experienced attorney who will discuss how to distribute your property as you wish and avoid many rigid provisions of state law.

Topics discussed include: Who needs a Will?; What if you die without a Will (intestacy)?; Mechanics of a Will; "Living Will"; Powers of Attorney; Selecting an executor, trustee, and guardian; Proper Will execution; Inheritance Taxes, Estate Taxes Bequests to charity, Why you need a "Self-Proving" Will and Estate Administration/ Probate.

Sample materials: Hand-outs on Wills, Living Wills/Medical Advance Directive, Power of Attorney, Probate and Administration of an Estate, Real Estate, Working with your Attorney, Consumers Guide to New Jersey Laws, and Senior Citizen Rights.

SPEAKERS BUREAU

At the request of senior citizen groups, unions, and Middlesex County companies and organizations, the " Speakers Bureau " is a service designed to educate citizens about how laws affect their lives and how the judicial system operates. We have attorneys available to speak to businesspersons, educational, civic and social organizations on a wide range of topics during business hours.

In today's complex world, few people can function successfully and safely without competent legal advice. In order to insure your estate plans are legally set up, you need to know exactly where you stand so that you can avoid possibly catastrophic mistakes impacting both you and your family.

About the speaker: Kenneth Vercammen is a trial attorney in Edison, NJ. He is the author of the American Bar Association’s book “Wills and Estate Administration”
He is co-chair of the ABA Probate & Estate Planning Law Committee of the American Bar Association Solo Small Firm Division. He is a speaker for the NJ State Bar Association at the annual Nuts & Bolts of Elder Law & Estate Administration program.
He was Editor of the ABA Estate Planning Probate Committee Newsletter. Mr. Vercammen has published over 150 legal articles in national and New Jersey publications on litigation, elder law, probate and trial topics. He is a highly regarded lecturer on litigation and probate law for the American Bar Association, NJ ICLE, New Jersey State Bar Association and Middlesex County Bar Association. His articles have been published in noted publications included New Jersey Law Journal, ABA Law Practice Management Magazine, and New Jersey Lawyer. He established the NJlaws website www.njlaws.com which includes many articles on Estate Planning, Probate and Wills. He is a member of the AARP and often lectures to groups on the importance of an up to date Will, Power of Attorney and Living Will.
KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030
www.njlaws.com

Annual Review of the Major Municipal Court Cases affecting Law Enforcement 2019-2020

Annual Review of the Major Municipal Court Cases affecting Law Enforcement 2019-2020
March 4, 2020 at 12 noon
Sponsored by Retired Police & Fire Middlesex & Monmouth Local 9 meeting NJRPFA at South Amboy Ancient Order of Hibernians AOH 271 2nd St, South Amboy, NJ 08879
To Court Officers & Court attendants, Police & PBA- some of your retired and active members may be interested:This is an opportunity for both Retired and active Police and Fire to meet members of Local 9 and receive a quick update in cases affecting law enforcement. The 15-minute discussion on recent cases will be followed by monthly meeting of Retired and active Police can also discuss issues regarding COLA and the pending legal battles in Trenton.
For information or membership in Local 9, contact President JohnLeo Fedorka Retired Police & Fire Middlesex & Monmouth Local 9 meeting NJRPFA. This pre-business meeting is not limited to just Middlesex & Monmouth. Any interested active and retired law enforcement and fire can attend the update on Municipal Court. Please share
Speaker: KENNETH VERCAMMEN, Esq. of Edison
Contributing writer for the NJ Police Chief Magazine
Editor: NJ Municipal Court Law Review
Past President Middlesex Municipal Court Prosecutors Assoc
We welcome all who have retired Honorably from these jobs, as well as those who support us as associate members. Thank You.

New Jersey Retired Police & Firemen's Association, Inc. http://www.njrpfa.org
About the NJ Retired Police and Firefighters Association, Local 9 of Middlesex and Monmouth Counties Local 9 NJRPFA. The NJRPFA was established in 1987 to promote and develop a friendly spirit among its members, both retired and associate members. develop a friendly spirit among its members, both retired and associate members. Its main mission is to promote and encourage legislative action at the Federal, State and Municipal levels of government in protecting and improving the pensions.

Seminar: Remove & Expungement of Criminal Arrests and Convictions- New Law Signed 12/18/19 Free Seminar

Seminar: Remove & Expungement of Criminal Arrests and Convictions-
New Law signed 12/18/19 Free Seminar
February 11, 2020 at 6 pm

Cost: Free if you pre-register. Complimentary materials provided. Please bring a canned food donation, which will be given to the Community Food Bank. Please email us if you plan on attending or if you would like us to email the materials.

SPEAKER: Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. & Allan Marain, Esq.
(Ken V Author- Criminal Law Forms by the American Bar Association)
The NJ statute on expungement was revised in a law signed. If someone has been arrested or even had a private criminal complaint signed 12/18/19 against them in the Municipal Court, they have a criminal record, even if the charges were dismissed or received a Conditional Discharge. Under NJ Law past criminal arrests and convictions can be expunged/erased easier under certain instances. This program will discuss the expungement process. Ken V served as a Municipal Prosecutor and was amazed how minor criminal guilty pleas and even dismissed charges can affect someone's ability to get a job or advance a career. Do you have children or someone you know or work with that needs an expungement?

Clara Barton Branch of Edison Library
141 Hoover Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837
(732)-738-0096

Can't attend? We can email you materials
Send email to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com

More info: For more serious charges The Petition for expungement is filed in the Superior Court. It takes a minimum of three months for the court to grant the expungement. The requirements are very formal. There can be a waiting period between 6 months up to 10 years after the criminal case is finished. For someone who had a drug charge, they can hire an attorney apply for Expungement 6 months after the Conditional Discharge is complete. The statute requires detailed notices served by the attorney on the State Police, Attorney General and numerous other government entities.

Typical Court costs and Legal fees for expungement range from $1,500- $2,500.