About AVAPP

The Academy of VA Pension Planners was created in 2009 to assist Veterans and their families with locating accredited attorneys and financial advisors who have the necessary advanced training and experience to help Veterans or their widows qualify for the VA Pension. The VA Pension is an INCOME benefit Veterans and their widows can receive to offset the high cost of health care. Certain basic eligibility requirements must be met to qualify.

Mission of AVAPP

Our mission is to provide Veterans and their families, qualified attorneys and financial advisors who can provide them with the best possible awareness, education, and resources available to competently and successfully navigate the VA Pension Benefit System to secure benefits they have earned.

James (Jim) B. Swain, JD, MBA, AVAPP Founder

Jim Swain is a nationally recognized expert on VA benefits planning. He is a specialist in training attorneys and financial advisors on subjects such as income tax, gift and estate tax planning, charitable planning, asset protection planning, business formation and succession planning, and VA Pension planning. Jim is a noted speaker on these issues for professional organizations such as WealthCounsel, Mid South Forum, and ElderCounsel.

Jim has a Law Degree (JD) and a Masters of Business Administration Degree (MBA) from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis), a BA in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University, and is a graduate of Renaissance Inc.’s Charitable Planning School. He is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Tennessee. Jim has a unique background with extensive knowledge and experience in wealth transfer and estate planning, business planning, charitable giving planning, executive compensation plans, developing and administrating qualified and non-qualified benefit plans, and advising Veterans about pension benefits.

He conducts seminars for charitable institutions, individuals, attorneys, CPAs, investment advisors, insurance agents, and trust officers on estate planning, wealth preservation, business succession, charitable gifting, wealth transfer and military Veterans benefits. He is a co-developer and co-presenter of the ElderCounsel VA Pension course. Jim is the founder and principal of Swain Law Firm in Roswell, Georgia and founder of the Academy of VA Pension Planners. He is a member of ElderCounsel, WealthCounsel, NAELA, Rotary Club of Roswell, the Tennessee and Georgia Bar Associations, the Georgia Planned Gifting Council, the North Georgia Estate Planning Council, American Legion Post 201 (Alpharetta), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) former Commander of Post 120001 (Johns Creek) and the Georgia Vietnam Veterans Association. He served 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

 Joe Anne Swain

Marketing Director/Human Resources

Has been with Swain Law Firm and AVAPP for over twelve years. Prior to working with the firm, Joe Ann accumulated over 20 years experience in corporate sales and marketing.

Lisa Kopeck

Paralegal/Case Manager

Has been with Swain Law Firm and AVAPP for over six years. Lisa has an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. Lisa is qualified to work in multiple legal areas.