Reliable Disability & Estate Planning

Through Every Age & Stage of Life

Claudia W. Englisby

Disability Planning Attorney in Connecticut

Claudia W. EnglisbyClaudia’s career, which once seemed certain, took an unexpected turn when her mother-in-law suffered a catastrophic stroke in her early 60s, rendering her quadriplegic without the ability to speak or eat. In this time of turmoil, Claudia’s family turned to her to assist in emergency planning to access immediate and long-term supports. At the time, Claudia’s legal practice was focused on another discipline which seemed miles away from elder law and estate planning. She felt utterly helpless, as she was burdened by her inability to solve the legal questions that had hit so close to home.

Through this family crisis, Claudia resolved to dedicate her legal mind to assisting individuals with disabilities and elders in planning for life’s major transitions—both expected and unexpected. Before refocusing her practice, Claudia assisted in her mother-in-law’s care for several years and, thereafter, cared for her aging father-in-law as well. Claudia found herself in the center of the “sandwiched generation,” taking care of aging parents while raising a young daughter. Through this experience, she learned that in engaging in current and future planning, families need consistent support beyond a singular transaction.

In 2009, after three additional years of dedicated study beyond law school, Claudia earned her Masters of Law in Elder Law and Estate Planning from Western New England University School of Law. Claudia’s advanced degree provides her with the legal planning skills necessary to create sophisticated plans for each client. She is highly skilled in crafting strategic financial plans that will help clients to preserve private assets while still obtaining necessary and timely care.

In her practice with Disability Planning Partners, Claudia draws upon her vast legal knowledge and her personal experiences to implement a modern approach to disability and estate planning. She is accustomed to crafting modern, progressive plans that expand beyond the traditional use of a special needs trust or generalized Medicaid planning strategies. In addition to her legal skills, Claudia shares with her clients a deep appreciation and empathy for the daunting daily challenges that family caregivers must face and overcome. In preparing legal plans for clients, her work is often peppered with a family’s personal dynamics, which she welcomes with understanding and support. Claudia helps pave the path to a new normal for the present day and the days ahead.

Outside the office, Claudia is an active member of the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association where she is both a member of the Continuing Legal Education Committee and Chair for the Diversity Committee. She is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys at the state and national level, the Academy of Special Needs Planners, and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Hartford County Bar Association. Claudia previously served on the Board of Directors for Harc, Inc., as well as Friends of Simsbury Crew.

Claudia is a frequent speaker for many non-profit organizations, adult education courses, the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

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