Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

❤️Happy American Heart Month❤️ 

Take Action to Protect Your Heart & Your Future

February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. Since its inception in 1964, American Heart Month has encouraged individuals to take proactive steps toward heart health through smart lifestyle choices, regular checkups, and education. By making heart-conscious decisions today, we can help prevent cardiovascular disease and its profound consequences in the future.

In addition to heart health, we want to bring your attention to the important legal update, which was highlighted in our January 2025, Special Update.  As a reminder, on January 1, 2025, a change in Illinois law may make it more difficult for agents under Durable Powers of Attorney for Property (DPOAP), if the need arises for them to act. As a result of this change, financial institutions may require additional documentation before honoring your DPOAP. While the law was intended to streamline the process and prevent fraud; instead, it may have created unexpected challenges that could hinder your agent’s ability to manage your financial matters when you are most in need of their assistance. 

To ensure that your DPOAP remains valid, and functions as intended, we strongly recommend reviewing your current document with an attorney and taking action as needed. If you would like to discuss these changes or update your DPOAP to proactively address the potential new requirements, our office is here to help.

If you missed the Special Update, you can find a copy of it by clicking the following link: January 2025, Special Update.

Have you checked out our four (4) part YouTube video series -- "Roadmap to Retirement 2.0" yet? If not, then why not avoid the cold, wintry weather by staying indoors and "binge-watching" it? This video series is designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical steps to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind. You will find us and this video series on YouTube at Estate & Elder Law Planning & More 4 U. 

Stay informed, stay heart-healthy, and take steps now to protect your future!❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 

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                           Scheduling 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.