Making every SNT disbursement defensible requires more than keeping receipts; it demands a comprehensive system that anticipates challenges before they arise. This seminar equips California professional fiduciaries with battle-tested strategies for creating documentation that satisfies courts, protects against beneficiary challenges, and withstands government agency scrutiny. Drawing from actual court cases, including the landmark McGee decision, participants will learn exactly what makes certain disbursements vulnerable to surcharge and how to transform routine distributions into well-documented administrative decisions. Whether defending a $1000,000 wheelchair van purchase or explaining why you paid for a beneficiary’s pet care, this program provides the framework, tools, and confidence to make every disbursement bulletproof. Participants will leave with a personalized documentation protocol, essential POMS reference guides, and templates for high-risk disbursements. Perfect for fiduciaries who want to sleep soundly knowing their disbursement decisions can withstand any level of scrutiny, from routine court accountings to unexpected SSA audits. Learn how to turn documentation from a defensive chore into a strategic advantage that protects you and your beneficiaries.
C1 – The Art of Making Special Needs Trusts Disbursement Defensible
Speakers
Kevin Urbatsch
The Urbatsch Law Firm, P.C.
Kevin Urbatsch, Esq. is the principal attorney of The Urbatsch Law Firm, P.C. in Berkeley, California, where he specializes in special needs, estate, and settlement planning. He is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the California State Bar and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Kevin also serves as the National Director of the Academy of Special Needs Planners (ASNP), leading over 500 professionals dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Kevin is a nationally recognized author and educator in the field. He has written or co-authored leading texts including Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Your Child’s Financial Future (10th edition, 2023) and Administering the California Special Needs Trust (4th edition, 2026). He is also the Attorney-Editor of CEB’s Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration. A frequent speaker, he has presented at over 150 seminars nationwide, taught courses for judges and fiduciaries, and served as an expert witness internationally.
A dedicated advocate, Kevin has been recognized as a Top Child Advocate by Parenting magazine and received the Presidential Recognition Award from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Through his writing, teaching, and leadership, including hosting the annual Special Needs Planning Symposium in Napa, he has played a key role in shaping public policy and advancing best practices in special needs and settlement planning law.