Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

August Tidbits, Speaking Engagements, & More

This summer has sure been a scorcher! On those days when the heat conditions are extreme, it is important to incorporate cooling off breaks -- ideally, in air conditioning. If you missed the article in last month's newsletter for essential tips on how older adults can stay safe and healthy during extreme heat conditions, click here.

Indoor breaks are also the perfect time to tackle indoor items on your summer to do list. Is reviewing your estate and life care planning on your summer to do list? If not, we encourage you to add it to your list. 

If you have a plan in place, take a few minutes to review it to be certain that your current planning documents continue to accurately reflect your wishes. If your planning no longer accurately reflects your wishes; or, if you have not yet created your estate and life care plan, then make an action plan for getting legal advice and assistance to update (or to create) your estate and life care plan.

Save the Date  - October 16, 2025

If creating (or updating) your estate plan is on your "to do" list and you just do not know where to start – we have great news for you!

Our law firm is thrilled to be partnering with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley and Old Second National Bank to offer a free, educational seminar to provide attendees with information on estate planning, including where to start; or, in the alternative, how to review an existing plan.  The seminar will be held in Elgin and is titled:

Estate Planning 101: Protecting Your Family’s Future

           Location: Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin

           Date: October 16, 2025

           Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

A light continental breakfast will be served. 

Again, "save the date" and stay tuned for  registration details.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

We are also delighted to announce that attorneys Katie Lenert, Lydia Park, and Connie Renzi are scheduled to be presenters at the Annual Elder Law Short Course, for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE), which is being held this year, in Burr Ridge, on September 18^th and 19^th.  Katie and Lydia are once again joining forces and will be co-presenting a session titled: But I Just Did What Mom Wanted Me To Do….Pursuing a Claim Against an Agent Under the Illinois Power of  Attorney Act. Connie has been tapped to co-present a session titled: Medicaid Planning Gone Bad-Very Bad….Now What. All three are thrilled to be presenting at the Annual Elder Law Short Course and look forward to sharing their knowledge and collaborating with their fellow elder law attorneys.

We hope that you enjoy this month’s articles. Happy reading, stay cool and hydrated, and may the remainder of your summer be safe and healthy!

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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!

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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.