The Special Needs Family Hour is hosted by Julie …

Special Needs Family Hour

Jullie Ames Interview with Roger P Schulmann about her book "A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude"

In this essential two-part episode of The Special Needs Family Hour, host Julie Ames and special guest Emma Hemness, a highly experienced elder law and special needs planning attorney, provide critical guidance for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and neurodiversity.

Part 1: Guardianship & Guardian Advocacy Julie shares her family’s personal experience navigating guardianship for her two daughters on the autism spectrum. Emma explains what changes legally when a child turns 18, why parents suddenly lose decision-making authority, and the real-world problems this creates with doctors, pharmacies, insurance, and more.

They break down:
The differences between full guardianship, Florida’s simplified Guardian Advocacy, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare surrogates.
When legal documents are enough versus when court-backed guardrails are necessary to protect against exploitation, bad decisions, contracts, marriage, and financial risks.
The step-by-step guardianship process, annual reporting requirements, standby guardians, and how to plan for the future.
Florida’s strong protections for vulnerable adults.

Part 2: Long-Term Planning, SSI, Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts Emma details how to secure your child’s future through proper estate planning. Topics include:
Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Florida Medicaid after age 18.
Why a Special Needs Trust (Third-Party vs. First-Party) is crucial to protect inheritance and government benefits.
How ABLE accounts work, their annual limits, and when to use them.
Common mistakes (such as leaving money directly to a child or sibling) and how to avoid losing benefits.
Choosing trustees, naming standby guardians in your estate plan, and creating peace of mind for lifelong care.

Filled with practical advice, real-life examples, and actionable steps, this episode empowers families to protect their loved ones’ rights, benefits, health, and financial security — both now and after the parents are gone.

Guest: Emma Hemness, Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Hemness Fowler Elder Law, Board Member of the Special Needs Alliance.

Resources & Contact: Visit specialneedsfamilyhour.com for more episodes, the monthly newsletter, and show notes. To consult with Emma Hemness: hemnesslaw.com or search “Hemness Fowler Elder Law” in Brandon, FL. Phone: 813-816-2637

You are not alone. Plan ahead with confidence and give your special needs family the security they deserve.

Resident Therapist Julie Ames will be joined by Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Emma Hemness for an extended, updated conversation
Guardianship with Emma Hemness, Attorney at Law. Emma Hemness, Special Needs Lawyer Emma will discuss the Guardianship process for your special needs child, 18 years old and older. 
Long Term Care, SSI, Trusts, and ABLE Accounts with Emma Hemness, Attorney at Law. 

In this essential two-part episode of&nbsp;The Special Needs Family Hour, host Julie Ames and special guest Emma Hemness, a highly experienced elder law and special needs planning attorney, provide critical guidance for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and neurodiversity.
Part 1: Guardianship &amp; Guardian Advocacy Julie shares her family&rsquo;s personal experience navigating guardianship for her two daughters on the autism spectrum. Emma explains what changes legally when a child turns 18, why parents suddenly lose decision-making authority, and the real-world problems this creates with doctors, pharmacies, insurance, and more.
They break down:
<ul dir="auto">
<li>The differences between full guardianship, Florida&rsquo;s simplified Guardian Advocacy, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare surrogates.</li>
<li>When legal documents are enough versus when court-backed guardrails are necessary to protect against exploitation, bad decisions, contracts, marriage, and financial risks.</li>
<li>The step-by-step guardianship process, annual reporting requirements, standby guardians, and how to plan for the future.</li>
<li>Florida&rsquo;s strong protections for vulnerable adults.</li>
</ul>
Part 2: Long-Term Planning, SSI, Special Needs Trusts &amp; ABLE Accounts Emma details how to secure your child&rsquo;s future through proper estate planning. Topics include:
<ul dir="auto">
<li>Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Florida Medicaid after age 18.</li>
<li>Why a Special Needs Trust (Third-Party vs. First-Party) is crucial to protect inheritance and government benefits.</li>
<li>How ABLE accounts work, their annual limits, and when to use them.</li>
<li>Common mistakes (such as leaving money directly to a child or sibling) and how to avoid losing benefits.</li>
<li>Choosing trustees, naming standby guardians in your estate plan, and creating peace of mind for lifelong care.</li>
</ul>
Filled with practical advice, real-life examples, and actionable steps, this episode empowers families to protect their loved ones&rsquo; rights, benefits, health, and financial security &mdash; both now and after the parents are gone.
Guest: Emma Hemness, Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Hemness Fowler Elder Law, Board Member of the Special Needs Alliance.
Resources &amp; Contact: Visit <a href="https://specialneedsfamilyhour.com">specialneedsfamilyhour.com</a> for more episodes, the monthly newsletter, and show notes. To consult with Emma Hemness: <a href="https://hemnesslaw.com">hemnesslaw.com</a> or search &ldquo;Hemness Fowler Elder Law&rdquo; in Brandon, FL. Phone: 813-816-2637
You are not alone. Plan ahead with confidence and give your special needs family the security they deserve.
Resident Therapist Julie Ames will be joined by Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Emma Hemness for an extended, updated conversation
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/special-needs-family-hour/2020-04-05-guardianship-with-emma-hemness-special" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Guardianship with Emma Hemness, Attorney at Law.&nbsp;Emma&nbsp;Hemness, Special Needs Lawyer</a>&nbsp;Emma will discuss the Guardianship process&nbsp;for your special needs child, 18 years old and older.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/special-needs-family-hour/2020-04-12-emma-hemnes-attorney-at-law-discusses-l" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Long Term Care, SSI, Trusts, and ABLE Accounts with Emma&nbsp;Hemness,&nbsp;Attorney at Law</a><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/special-needs-family-hour/2019-04-28-emma-hemnes-attorney-at-law-discusses-l" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">.</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Special Needs Family Hour Podcast - Turning 18: How to Legally Protect Your Special Needs Child for Life

Julie Ames interviewed with Bill Bunkley on The Attack by the Dept. of Labor Against Those with Disabilities. (January 17th Deadline for Public Comment)

Julie Ames interviewed with Bill Bunkley on The Attack by the Dept. of Labor Against Those with Disabilities. (January 17th Deadline for Public Comment)

Julie Ames Interview on The Bill Bunkley Show 010925

Bill Carl, the Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM & 910 AM interviews Julie Ames. They discuss Julie's new book A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude - No They are not Okay...but It's Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.

A Very Special Journey is more than a memoir. It is a story that provides guidance, hope, and education to parents and professionals who have or work with special needs children. Julie gives her readers the guidance they need to navigate their own way through the educational, medical, and legal waters that special needs families find themselves drowning in.

Julie throws a lifeline to other moms and dads facing the same challenges.  Conversely, by presenting the parents' perspective, professionals working in these fields will gain a greater understanding and ability to provide services in a way that is truly helpful.

Every parent has to know how to be their own child's strongest advocate. They need to know what questions to ask, when to demand answers, and when to walk away from advice they don't trust. A Special Journey will provide these tools.

Julie's story is about more than a mother and two challenged daughters. It is about more than autism. This story is about love, faith, and family. It is about learning to accept something that cannot be changed and to embrace the gifts we are given, despite perceived imperfections. We cry. We adapt. We reflect. We rejoice. Most importantly, we continue to live, love, and grow together every day. It is indeed a special journey.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

This past Mother’s Day we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. This will be our last show for a while. This is not goodbye but a pause on our current format.

*             Our website will continue to be a resource for parents and caregivers who are caring for individuals with special needs.

*             Our newsletter will continue to provide you with up to date information.

The Special Needs Family Hour and I are evolving.

*             I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University’s accredited program, to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

*             My book, A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, will be coming out in the next few months.

*             It is an exciting time with many things happening to include upcoming speaking engagements.

We appreciate our listeners, our guests who are making a positive difference in the world, our awesome sponsors, and our friends at Salem Media Group.

                                                          Julie Ames

Bill Carl, the Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM &amp; 910 AM interviews Julie Ames. They discuss Julie's new book A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude - No They are not Okay...but It's Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.
A Very Special Journey is more than a memoir. It is a story that provides guidance, hope, and education to parents and professionals who have or work with special needs children. Julie gives her readers the guidance they need to navigate their own way through the educational, medical, and legal waters that special needs families find themselves drowning in.
Julie throws a lifeline to other moms and dads facing the same challenges.&nbsp; Conversely, by presenting the parents' perspective, professionals working in these fields will gain a greater understanding and ability to provide services in a way that is truly helpful.
Every parent has to know how to be their own child's strongest advocate. They need to know what questions to ask, when to demand answers, and when to walk away from advice they don't trust. A Special Journey will provide these tools.
Julie's story is about more than a mother and two challenged daughters. It is about more than autism. This story is about love, faith, and family. It is about learning to accept something that cannot be changed and to embrace the gifts we are given, despite perceived imperfections. We cry. We adapt. We reflect. We rejoice. Most importantly, we continue to live, love, and grow together every day. It is indeed a special journey.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,
This past Mother&rsquo;s Day we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. This will be our last show for a while. This is not goodbye but a pause on our current format.
*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our website will continue to be a resource for parents and caregivers who are caring for individuals with special needs.
*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our newsletter will continue to provide you with up to date information.
The Special Needs Family Hour and I are evolving.
*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University&rsquo;s accredited program, to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My book, A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, will be coming out in the next few months.
*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is an exciting time with many things happening to include upcoming speaking engagements.
We appreciate our listeners, our guests who are making a positive difference in the world, our awesome sponsors, and our friends at Salem Media Group.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Julie Ames

2020-06-28 A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude – No, They are not Okay… but It’s Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids – a new book by Julie Ames.

Jullie Ames Interview with Roger P Schulmann about her book "A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude"

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