Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., LPA

03/13/2026

Have you heard about HOTMA?

The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act is changing how income and assets are evaluated for Section 8 housing eligibility. When fully implemented, these updates could impact both applicants and current tenants receiving housing assistance.

For families planning for a loved one with disabilities, understanding these changes is important because housing benefits often intersect with other public benefits and planning strategies.

Learn more about these updates in this article from the Special Needs Alliance:

https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/the-voice/hotma-and-section-8-what-attorneys-and-trustees-need-to-know/

Have You Heard About HOTMA? Eligibility Rules Are Changing for Subsidized Housing This issue of the Voice was written by SNA member Emily Starr, CELA, of Starr Traiger LLP in Worcester, Massachusetts. Serving central Massachusetts, her firm specializes in special needs planning, estate and trust adm...

03/09/2026

Families in Lorain County, we hope to see you there!

Stop by and connect with us at the Connecting for Kids Lorain County Resource Fair on Wednesday, March 18, at LCCC's Ewing Field House in Elyria. The fair will feature local resources for anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, academic struggles, developmental delays, and disabilities.

Pre-register and attend for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
https://www.connectingforkids.org/lorain-resource-fair

03/03/2026

REMINDER:

Stop by and see us at the Connecting for Kids Kids Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair on Thursday, March 5, at the Don Umerley Civic Center in Rocky River!

The fair will showcase local resources for anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, academic struggles, developmental delays and disabilities.

Pre-register and attend for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
https://www.connectingforkids.org/east-cuyahoga-fair

02/18/2026

We are pleased to share that Amanda M. Buzo has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Lorain County Office on Aging (LCOOA).

Amanda serves on the Finance Committee and will help advance the organization’s mission to provide support, resources, and advocacy so older adults can age successfully in Lorain County.

The Lorain County Office on Aging celebrated 50 years of service in 2024, and Hickman Lowder has long been proud to support its work in the community.

Please join us in congratulating Amanda on this meaningful leadership role and continued service!

Learn more about LCOOA: https://lcooa.org/

02/13/2026

If you are supporting an aging parent or loved one, you may have concerns about social isolation.

Isolation can develop gradually due to loss, mobility challenges, retirement, or transportation barriers. Being proactive about connection can make a meaningful difference.

Our newest blog explores simple strategies that help older adults stay engaged and supported.

Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/3k745w6k

02/11/2026

Stop by and see us at the Connecting for Kids Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair on Thursday, March 5, at the Don Umerley Civic Center in Rocky River!

The fair will showcase local resources for , , behavioral problems, academic struggles, developmental delays and .

Pre-register and attend for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

https://www.connectingforkids.org/west-cuyahoga-fair

01/26/2026

For the safety of our clients and staff, our Independence and Sheffield Village offices will open at 10:00 a.m. today due to inclement weather.

Thank you for your patience, and please stay safe. ❄

01/21/2026

Romance scams often start with what feels like a genuine connection, but they can quickly lead to emotional and financial harm, especially for older adults.

Our Care Coordinator, Andrea Thurau, breaks down how these scams work and what families can do to help protect loved ones.

Read the full blog post:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/43hd2u2h

01/15/2026

Due to inclement weather, Hickman Lowder’s Independence and Sheffield Village offices are closed today. ❄

Our team will continue to monitor conditions and respond to messages as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

12/17/2025

Congratulations once again to Hickman Lowder attorneys Janet L. Lowder and Frank J. Hickman (Ret.) on their recognition in the 2026 edition of Ohio Super Lawyers. Selected through a rigorous, multiphase process, honorees are evaluated across 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Way to go, Janet and Frank!👏👏👏

Janet Lowder is one of the top rated Estate Planning & Probate attorneys in Independence, OH. She has met the stringent Super Lawyers selection criteria.

12/15/2025

Did you know that beginning January 1, 2026, individuals who become blind or disabled before age 46 will be eligible to open a STABLE Account—an increase from the current age limit of 26? Learn more about special needs estate planning tools, including STABLE Accounts, pooled trusts, and first-party special needs trusts, that can help your loved one maintain essential public benefits while also providing funds to enhance their quality of life. https://www.hickman-lowder.com/blog/2025/12/planning-options-for-disabled-individuals-trusts-versus-able-accounts/

Did you know that beginning January 1, 2026, individuals who become blind or disabled before age 46 will be eligible to open a STABLE Account—an increase from the current age limit of 26? Learn more about special needs estate planning tools—including STABLE Accounts, pooled trusts, and first-par...

12/11/2025