Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

🍀 Happy March🍀  

As we step into spring, it is a great time to refresh our understanding of important matters that affect older adults and their families. This month’s newsletter covers important topics. The first article in this month’s newsletter highlights the complexities of guardianship and available advance planning options  to minimize the likelihood that guardianship will be necessary, if ever you become incapacitated. Also, included are practical tips to help you plan for the future with confidence.

Whether you are navigating long-term care options, updating or creating your estate and/or life care planning documents, or advocating for a loved one, our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our attorneys.

REMINDER:  As highlighted in both last month's newsletter and in our January 2025, Special Update, on January 1, 2025, there was a change in Illinois law that 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, as you spring forward, 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 you step into spring, stay informed, 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.