Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

Older Americans Month

The decades-long Presidential tradition of issuing a proclamation declaring the month of May as “Older Americans Month,” continues in 2024, with President Biden’s recent proclamation.   The 2024 proclamation describes older Americans as being the “backbone of our Nation;” and, it acknowledges their immense contributions and their role in building “the foundation that we all stand upon today, guided by the core values that define America—freedom, equality, decency, and opportunity.”

We agree – older Americans are the backbone of our Nation.  It is our honor and our privilege to join others throughout our Nation in offering our gratitude and in celebrating older Americans this month (and every month)!

National Elder Law Month

In continued support of the ongoing proclamations declaring May as Older Americans Month, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys ("NAELA”) has, once again, designated the month of May as National Elder Law Month.   Like NAELA, our office stands firm in our commitment to provide support, education, and legal assistance to older Americans and their support team. While elder law attorneys may vary in the scope of services that they offer, the “elder law” legal services that we are pleased to offer to our clients include, but are not limited to: life care planning (including providing information and assistance with  financial and medical powers of attorney); long-term care planning (including providing information regarding the Medicaid eligibility rules for long-term care); estate planning (including providing information and assistance with Wills and Trusts); probate (estate) and trust administration; guardianships; and supplemental needs planning.

Graduation Gift Idea -- Reminder

With graduation season in full swing during the months of May and June, we would be remiss, if we did not remind our readers of the importance of life care planning (financial and health care powers of attorney) for adults of any age – including recent high school and college graduates. This is such an important matter that we are, once again, including a previously shared newsletter article, on this topic -- see the third article below.  In addition to providing an overview of the importance of legal planning for young adults, it may just provide you with a unique gift idea for the graduate in your life.

Upcoming Speaking Engagement:

Connie Renzi is scheduled to lead a “break-out” session at the upcoming Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (“IL-NAELA) Spring 2024 UnProgram, which is being held on May 30, 2024. During the break-out session, Connie will lead her peers in a vibrant discussion regarding the advance directive for Health Care options available in Illinois, along with the related legal and drafting considerations for attorneys and their clients.

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                           Sheduling a presentation for your group:

Is your group in need of a speaker?  If so, please do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss topic options and to determine whether one of our presentation topics aligns with the needs of your group.

Legal Services:

Should you or someone you know wish to meet with one of our attorneys for assistance with (or to discuss options for): estate, life care, and/or long-term care planning; special needs planning; and/or, other planning matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.  It would be our pleasure to meet with you to review your current planning and/or to discuss planning options for your consideration.

Additional Legal Services:

Selling and/or buying a new home; commercial property; and/or other real estate?

Starting a new business; or, need your corporate records updated?   

Recently injured, and uncertain of your rights? 

If any of the above apply to you, or someone you know, then please visit the website of our parent law firm, Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi, Lenert, & Julien, P.C., to learn more about the additional legal services we offer.

Reminder:  Out of an abundance of caution and to do our continued part in helping to keep our clients, staff, and their respective families as safe as possible, all non-signing appointments for our elder law clients and for our estate and life care planning clients with the following attorneys: Connie Renzi or Katie Lenert, remain "virtual" (via video or telephone conferencing). 

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Help for those who may be struggling with mental health issues:  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues and needs assistance, help is available by calling or texting the recently launched three-digit dialing code – “988”. The new 988 dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for mental health crises, is available throughout the United States.  Additionally, veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.