SJM_PROFILE_ETHAN_ORDOG_0419_profile 3 / 28 / 19 9 : 08 AM Page 2 business spotlight Since many of his clients are parents of special needs children , Ordog stresses the importance of planning and thinking about the future as soon as a diagnosis is made . An experienced attorney can be Helping Families with crucial to the process . “ I think it’s very scary for a lot of indi - viduals , because a lot of these situations are Special Needs Planning not commonplace , ” he says . “ We help bring peace of mind and it’s a great relief for them to know they’re not in it alone . ” Ethan Ordog , a partner at Begley Law Group , helps his A significant step that many of his clients must address is filing for a legal clients create a long - term plan that will protect their guardianship when their special needs child turns 18 years old . It is usually the par - special needs children . by MATT COSENTINO ents who act as guardians initially , but as they grow older or face their own health issues , a sibling or other family member thinking of her gives me additional strength may take over the role . so I can continue on a good path . ” “ Some individuals with disabilities are A South Jersey native , Ordog is proud to very high functioning and can maybe be making a difference in an area that have a power of attorney or their own means so much to him . He always dreamed estate planning documents , which will of becoming a lawyer , and after earning his protect them , ” Ordog says . “ However , in a undergraduate degree from Moravian Col - lot of instances we have to expand lege and graduating from Roger Williams it to a School of Law , he began a clerkship with guardianship filing . Judge Ronald Bookbinder in Burlington “ The guardianship ensures that while County before embarking on his career . the parents are alive they have the ability to “ My goal was to enter a field that assist their child and make decisions in their would allow me best interests . When the parents pass away to give back to the com - at least there is an established arrangement munity , ” he says . “ I knew I wanted to in which another individual can step in and work in the estate world and my practice make decisions for the child . ” now primarily consists of estate plan - Another big aspect of Ordog’s work is ning , estate administration , trust admin - helping create a special needs trust , which istration , guardianship and planning for will protect the special needs individual’s individuals who have disabilities . assets while also ensuring they remain eli - “ I believe that has really allowed me to gible for certain benefits , including Sup - fulfill my ultimate goal of not only con - plemental Security Income and Medicaid . tinuing my overall development as a s an experienced attorney and Although there are certainly mountains lawyer but also giving back to the com - partner at Begley Law Group , Ethan to climb for families of special needs munity in which I grew up . The exciting Ordog often works closely with individuals and the journey isn’t always part of what I do every day is being able to families of special needs individuals , so easy , Ordog is pleased to help his clients help people tackle major life issues . ” finding inspiration on a daily basis is along the way . The admiration he feels In terms of working with the special never a challenge . for them is obvious . needs population , Ordog found the perfect But for those really tough times , his “ Whenever my clients fit at Begley Law Group , which he has called thoughts always go to one of his own talk about their his professional home for more than a family members . His cousin is the parent children , like most parents they get excited decade . Tom Begley Jr . , whose father of 11 - year - old triplets , one of whom has and smile , ” he says . “ But it’s a different type founded the cerebral palsy , and her ability to constantly of smile because doctors have told them firm , has long been a sup - beat the odds is motivation enough for their children would never be able to do porter of the special needs community . Ordog to overcome any obstacle in his path . certain things , and they’ve been able to do “ I feel fortunate that Tom and I have “ Whenever I think I’m having a hard day , all of those things and more . They’re often developed such a relationship over the she often comes to mind along with our active in Special Olympics , school pro - years that we work very well together , ” clients who have disabled children , because grams and doing volunteer work . You can Ordog says . “ One of the reasons I love the I know that tasks that may seem insur - see how the parents are so proud of the firm is that we are very collegial and spend mountable are really not , ” he says . “ It’s just accomplishments of their disabled chil - a lot of time discussing things to try to find a matter of devoting time and effort to it , and dren , and they’ll tell me how much they’ve the best solution to a problem . There’s a ultimately I know learned about themselves from having a great support system from the staff and it’s going to resolve itself . disabled child because it puts into focus a the other attorneys who have their own “ My cousin’s daughter does amazing n lot of the things we take for granted . ” experiences and knowledge . ” things with certain limitations . She’s presently pursuing acting , and she’s just a very smart and glowing child . She’s always Begley Law Group happy and always has a smile on her face . 509 S . Lenola Road , Building 7 , Moorestown | ( 800 ) 533 - 7227 | BegleyLawGroup.com When I come across adversity in my job , SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 16 issue 1 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 17