Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

Happy Summer of the Cicadas

Both summer and the cicadas have arrived. The sound of their buzzing seems to be everywhere. If you listen closely to the rhythmic sound of the cicada choir, you can almost hear them encouraging you to check out the articles in this month's newsletter. 

This month's first article (regarding guardianship) is an excellent reminder of the importance of creating a life care plan, when you are competent.  Having valid and thoughtful Powers of Attorney in place, for both financial and health matters, should you later become incapacitated, will reduce the likelihood that guardianship will be necessary.

As noted in last month's newsletter, life care planning (creating financial and health care powers of attorney) is important for adults of any age – including recent high school and college graduates. If there is young adult (age 18 or older) in your life, who is about to embark on the next chapter of life, consider giving them a gift certificate to meet with an attorney to learn about life care planning and to create their own Powers of Attorney. 

Recent Speaking Engagement:

Connie Renzi facilitated a “break-out” session at the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (“IL-NAELA) Spring 2024 UnProgram, on May 30, 2024. During the break-out session, Connie led 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.