Author: Filis Law Firm

Texas Disability Legislative Watch

At Filis Law Firm, we know how important it is for disabled Texans and families of children with special needs to stay informed about changes in the law. State legislation can directly impact access to education, healthcare, public accommodations, and essential services.

That’s why we’re launching “Texas Disability Legislative Watch”—a blog series dedicated to tracking new and proposed laws that affect disability rights in Texas. We’ll break down key bills introduced in the Texas Legislature, explain how they could impact individuals with disabilities and their families, and provide updates as legislation moves forward.

Our goal is to keep you informed and empowered, whether the topic is special education policies, Medicaid waiver programs, workplace accessibility, or disability discrimination protections.

Legislation is shaped not just by lawmakers but also by the voices of those it affects. If you want to follow bills, contact your representatives, or get involved in the legislative process, you can visit these official resources:

Check back regularly for updates, and if you have any questions about how new laws might affect you or your loved ones, feel free to reach out.

Enrich Your Life

When I speak with high school students about opportunities for personal and professional growth, number one on my list is being a volunteer or on the board of a non-profit.

Serving on the board of a local non-profit organization can be a rewarding and impactful way to contribute to the community.

Here are a few reasons why it can be a wonderful experience:

Community Engagement: By being on a non-profit board, you gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by your local community. This firsthand knowledge allows you to play an active role in addressing those needs and making a positive impact.

Networking Opportunities: Serving on a board exposes you to a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about the same cause. It provides you with networking opportunities and allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, community leaders, and professionals from various fields.

Skill Development: Joining a non-profit board allows you to develop and enhance your skills in leadership, strategic planning, decision-making, fundraising, financial management, and more. These skills can be valuable not only within the non-profit sector but also in your personal and professional life.

Making a Difference: Being part of a non-profit board gives you the chance to make a tangible difference in your community. You have the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission, shape its direction, and ensure that it effectively serves the needs of the community.

Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering your time and expertise for a cause you care about can bring immense personal fulfillment. Seeing the positive impact of the non-profit’s work and witnessing the lives it touches can be incredibly rewarding and gratifying.

Currently, I serve on six boards and each non-profit brings additional value to our community.

Visit these non-profits and see if you can donate your time or money to one or more of these worthy causes.

Autism Moms of Houston

https://www.autismmomsofhouston.org/

https://www.autismmomsofhouston.org/meetourboard

Cafe Azul TX

https://www.facebook.com/cafeazultx

https://cafeazultx.wixsite.com/cafeazultxautism/post/leona-filis-community-advocate

Family, Friends and Duchenne

https://familyfriendsandduchenne.org/home-2/our-team/

Friends of Down Syndrome

https://www.friendsofdownsyndrome.org/leadership

Hope for Luka

https://hopeforluka.org/pages/copy-of-board-members

SAFE Diversity Communities

http://www.safediversity.org/

Community Outreach Events

https://www.facebook.com/groups/840056543353650/

Embracing Diversity Radio Show

https://www.facebook.com/groups/176841273950502/

Congratulations Leona E. Filis – A Winner of the Best Probate Lawyers in Houston!

We are so proud of our Principal Attorney Leona E. Filis! She has won another award for her services to the Houston community, named one of the winners of Best Probate Lawyers in Houston 2022 by Expertise.com.  Leona works with families with children with special needs and provides invaluable advice for planning for their futures. Supplemental Needs Trusts can be tricky, but hugely effective to preserve eligibility rights to lifelong government benefits. 

This award is on the heels of Leona’s national recognition from President Joe Biden for her community service.

Awesome recognition for Leona and her tireless efforts to fight the good fight and protect our kids.

Split Child Custody, IRS & Credits

From Issue Number: COVID Tax Tip 2021-147

If parents alternate years claiming their child on their tax return, will the IRS send the 2021 advance child tax credit payments to the parent who claimed the child on their 2020 tax return even though they will not claim them on their 2021 tax return? Yes. Because the taxpayer claimed their child on their 2020 tax return, the IRS will automatically issue the advance payments to them. When they file their 2021 tax return, they may have to pay back the payments over the amount of the credit they’re entitled to claim. Some taxpayers may be excused from repaying some or all of the excess amount if they qualify for repayment protection. If a taxpayer won’t be claiming the child tax credit on their 2021 return, they should unenroll from receiving monthly payments using the Child Tax Credit Update Portal.