Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

April Update – Honoring National Health Care Decisions Day

As we welcome the "blooming" month of April and the spring season, April also brings an important reminder of the value of thoughtful planning and open conversations about our health care wishes. Each year, National Health Care Decisions Day (NHDD) is observed on April 16th, encouraging individuals and families across the country to reflect on their future health care preferences and ensure their voices are heard -- before a crisis occurs.

NHDD is not just about forms and paperwork, it is also about empowerment, dignity, and peace of mind. It is a call to action for all of us to start meaningful conversations with loved ones, designate trusted decision-makers, and create advance directives that reflect our personal values and goals.

The first article in this month’s newsletter includes an overview of three (3) key health care advance directives to consider this year on NHDD. The first advance directive noted is the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care ("POA-HC").  This document is a crucial tool when creating a life care plan for yourself. Having a POA-HC in place will allow the person you designate as your agent to step into your shoes to carry out your medical decisions and wishes if there is a time when you are unable to make your own decisions. Whether you are reviewing an existing plan or just getting started, there is no better time than now to ensure your wishes are known and respected.

If you have questions or need assistance with advance directives (such as creating a POA-HC for yourself), or other aspects of estate and life care planning, our law office is here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out -- we are honored to support you in making informed, confident decisions for the future.

Legal Update: Earlier this year, our office sent out a Special Update regarding changes to the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, which may have an impact on Durable Powers of Attorney for Property. If you missed the update and would like more information, you can access the update by clicking the following link: January 2025, Special Update.

YouTube Video Series: Have you checked out our four (4) part YouTube video series -- "Roadmap to Retirement 2.0" yet? If not, we encourage you to check it out. 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. 

As always, we encourage you to stay informed and take steps now to protect your future!

                             ___________________________

                           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). 

                               __________________________

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.