Young people tend to think they’re invincible and most don’t want to look too far into the future, reasoning that they have years to prepare for retirement or write a will. Unfortunately, unexpected circumstances can crop up at any time, and if you aren’t familiar with estate planning or wills, you may find yourself caught off guard. You may be years away from retirement, but understanding Chicago elder law issues will be crucial if your parents need assistance or you become incapacitated or pass away suddenly.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare sufficiently for the future. An estate attorney in Chicago can help you prepare for the unexpected by assisting you in the preparation of an iron-clad will, guiding you through the legal ramifications of guardianship of your parents or elderly loved ones, and protecting your property, assets and children in the future.

Chicago Elder Law Consultations – The Time Is Now

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that having a Chicago will attorney isn’t relevant to your own family just because you’re young. Consulting with an elder law attorney can help you prepare for the future by giving you an understanding of all the legal issues involved in setting up an estate, writing a will, and stipulating guardians for your children if you pass away while they are minors.

You can also learn a great deal about issues surrounding becoming a legal guardian for loved ones who are already entering their twilight years. If you have a parent or parents who will need assistance in the near future, meeting with a Chicago will attorney or Chicago estate attorneys is the first step in preparing the legal documents you’ll need.

You should discuss the various documents you can use to outline a plan for your own care as you grow older. Among the most common reasons for consulting an elder law attorney before you’re retired are preparing a will that clearly outlines who inherits what from your estate, instituting a medical power of attorney that outlines which life saving measures you do and don’t want exercised on your behalf and putting someone you trust in charge of important decisions if you are incapacitated.

Why Now Is Better Than Later: Chicago Elder Law Issues Affect Your Life Today And Tomorrow

Most people don’t like to think about meeting with Chicago estate attorneys, particularly when they are young and have children who are still little. It’s not a comfortable thing to think about, and some people worry that preparing a will is tempting fate. It’s a serious mistake, however, to assume you have plenty of time; unexpected illness or death can leave your children  and  legacy unprotected if you don’t have a will, power of attorney or other estate planning documents in place.

Meeting with estate attorneys while you’re still young is an excellent way to ensure that your children are properly cared for both financially and physically. Establishing a good working rapport with Chicago will attorneys is one of the best steps you can take. Chicago elder law attorneys who prepare estate documents can help you put your finances into proper order in the event you are injured or pass away while your children are young. Chicago will attorneys who are already familiar with your financial situation and your final wishes will be better able to carry out those wishes and protect your heirs in court.

Dying without a will in place or without instructions for the care and placement of your minor children can lead to your children suffering additional financial and emotional burdens they should have never had to face. Chicago estate attorneys can minimize or avoid the probate process.

Estate Administration & Inheritances

In addition to helping you write up your own will or estate plan, Chicago estate attorneys can help you handle the complexities of administering a loved ones estate, should you be appointed executor, or representing you as a beneficiary of any inheritance that comes your way.

Will Contests

Disputes over wills arise every day. They can tear a family apart, particularly if your parents or grandparents died without a will, revised their will suddenly before their death or left behind an ambiguous, difficult to understand will. Scheduling a family meeting with a Chicago will attorney can help clarify inheritance issues and prevent feuds in the future so that your parents can rest easy, knowing you and your siblings will be properly provided for.

Now is the time to consult with a Chicago elder law attorney or Chicago estate attorneys. By having your entire family meet with an estate attorney, you can ensure that three generations of your family are protected and cared for when you or your parents pass away.

Guardianship law focuses on providing a legal decision maker for a disabled person who cannot make decisions on their own behalf. Guardianship proceedings are most often initiated because the disabled person does not have any power of attorney documents clearly stating their wishes and who they would like to be the decision make should they become incapacitated. For example, if your aging mother is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia and can no longer pay her bills or make medical decisions with her doctor you may want to become guardian so you have the legal authority to make those decisions on her behalf.

If you are considering seeking guardianship of  a loved one, you should be working closely with a guardianship lawyer who can advise  and guide you through the complex process  of becoming a  guardian.

The Doctor’s Report

To begin the guardianship process, the first document the attorney will ask you to complete  in Illinois is a physician’s report. This report, created by the court, allows the disabled person’s primary physician to detail the extent of their disability and confirm that they are in need of an alternate decision maker. The guardianship attorney will often ask you to have the doctor complete the form prior to your initial consultation.

Choosing the Guardian

When determining who should serve as guardian you need to consider the preferences of the disabled person and what will be best for them. Although a family member is always preferable,  you need to consider location (obviously if someone lives in another state they would not be preferred), and most importantly: who the disabled person is close with, enjoys being around and trusts. Also consider whether or not the guardian would have the time and energy to devote to the disabled person. If there are no eligible candidates within the disabled person’s close circle, there are professional guardians who can step in this role.

How a Guardianship Attorney Can Help

The court system can seem like another planet to a non-attorney. Petitioning for guardianship is a stressful decision in itself, as you are often worried about your elderly loved ones safety and well being. To ensure the process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible you should consider hiring a guardianship attorney who knows the law, has years of experience petitioning for guardianship (and has probably been appointed a guardian ad litem in the past) and knows the judges.

The elder law attorney will also have referrals in the senior community in order to create a multi-disciplinary team to advocate on the disabled person’s behalf, such as doctors, geriatric care managers, social workers, nurses, and/or long-term care or in-home care companies. By having this complete team available for the disabled person, the potential guardian can lay down a concrete plan to present to the judge to prove they are the best for the job.

If you’re already the legal guardian for another person, you may still want to consult with an elder law attorney to ensure you follow proper legal procedure in managing the disabled person’s personal and financial affairs. Chicago estate planning lawyers with litigation experience are valuable allies because they understand how to set up a guardianship properly in order to avoid unpleasant and expensive litigation surrounding an estate. They can also minimize the distress and cost of battling a guardianship issue in court if a problem arises down the road.

While browsing the New York Times yesterday, I came upon the article entitled, “Avoiding Probate Can Pose Risks of Its Own.” On the heels of President Obama’s new tax laws, the Times reporter addresses the planning techniques people can use to avoid probate.

But, as the Times points out, without the proper knowledge people can get a false sense of security from wills and trusts. This is because non-probated items, which are not distributed through these documents, (retirement accounts, joint bank accounts, life insurance…) can cause  issues of their own. Forgetting to coordinate your estate plan with these other accounts can throw off all your intentions.

SOME ISSUES INCLUDE:

1. Joint Bank Accounts: Even if you have distributed your estate in your will, if during your life you put a caregiver or loved one on a joint bank account, they will receive the money in the account upon your death – not who you listed in your will.
2. Expenses: Did you address who is responsible for paying the various expenses that will arise such as estate taxes and the funeral bill? (Is there enough money in the estate?)
3. Real Estate: Similar to joint bank accounts, if there is another name on the deed when you pass, that person will inherit the property, not the heirs.
4. Life Insurance/Retirement Accounts: Make sure the beneficiary on your forms matches your will.

These are just some of the issues that could cause complications with your estate plan. To ensure your estate is distributed properly and your wishes are followed, hire an experienced Chicago probate attorney to draft and help execute your documents.

***To view the complete New York Times article, click here.

Jacobs, Deborah. “Avoiding Probate Can Pose Risks of Its Own” New York Times, Wealth Section, February 9, 2011.

As we age, we  discover  legal needs that we didn’t have when we were younger. The older we are, the more likely we have assets to protect, family and heirs  to provide for, and our own futures  to be planned out. With so many areas needing attention, consulting with elder lawyers in Illinois is a crucial step in preparing for the future. Elder law lawyers in Illinois have the specific education, expertise and experience to help you navigate the often confusing and always complex landscape of state and federal elder law. Following some simple tips can help you choose qualified Illinois probate attorneys, elder law specialists and trust and estate law experts who can answer your questions and grant you relief from your legal or financial concerns.

Illinois Probate Attorneys – Choosing Someone Who Understands You

Be sure to find an Illinois probate attorney who is familiar with all aspects of estate law and is experienced with avoiding Illinois probate conflicts. Some probate attorneys are focused on representing disgruntled heirs who are filing suit against an estate rather than the process of preparing an estate for probate. Planning ahead by establishing a proper estate plan to avoid probate battles requires an attorney who is focused on helping you and your heirs.

Illinois probate attorneys are also knowledgeable in other aspects of elder law (the various legal issues surrounding growing older). Elder law lawyers work regularly with elderly clients, guiding them through preparation of wills, establishing a solid financial plan for the future, and seeing that their assets are protected in the event they become incapacitated. Elder law attorneys in Illinois have handled a variety of elder law issues, including abuse of the elderly, administering estates, end-of-life issues, guardianships and health care decisions.

Successful Elder Law Lawyers in Illinois – Look at Their Record

Good elder law lawyers will have a history of successful resolutions for their clients. Be sure your Illinois probate attorneys are well versed in all aspects of elder law so that you can rely on them for other issues. You’ll be more comfortable and have a better rapport with your attorneys if you don’t have to switch horses mid-stream.

Chicago Elder law lawyers and Illinois probate attorneys will often belong to professional organizations relating to elder law and probate issues. Awards or recognition from bar associations, other Illinois attorneys, and advocacy groups are all indications of legal excellence. Check out the websites of any elder law lawyers in Illinois you are considering hiring. You should find an explanation of their professional affiliations as well as an outline of the areas in which they specialize.

Looking at the History of Elder Law Lawyers in Illinois

One of the better indications of the quality and experience of potential probate attorneys or elder law attorneys is their track record. While not all probate attorneys or elder law lawyers will list their clientele on their firm’s website, they may indicate some specific cases where they were asked to represent parties such as the state of Illinois, a city government, or an organization.

Perhaps one of the most important considerations when choosing elder law lawyers in Illinois is whether they make you feel comfortable and communicate with you effectively. Although the qualifications of Illinois probate attorneys are important, their personalities are also crucial. Find someone who gives you the feeling that they truly care about you, your heirs, and your future. If they really understand you and are ready to fight for your rights, you’ve found the best elder law lawyers in Illinois for you.

There’s never a good time for family disputes, but after the death of a loved is certainly one of the worst times. Many families find the probate period extremely stressful, particularly when there is a disagreement over the terms of a will. Family members may be contesting the will because they feel they’ve been treated unfairly or because they honestly believe the estate isn’t being handled properly. Regardless of the reasons, a family feud can quickly escalate. If you’re handling an estate in Illinois, hiring Chicago probate attorneys to handle the estate is the best option when things get heated.

Are The Claims Real?

Chicago probate attorneys often see cases in which one child or grandchild threatens to contest a will immediately after it is read to the heirs. Often times this is simply a knee-jerk reaction based on their disappointment and the sorrow of losing someone they cared about or a feeling that the  estate was distributed unfairly and they deserve more. In these situations, Chicago probate attorneys may not be needed, although a consultation with an attorney is always a good idea.

How Much Is Being Disputed?

The larger the estate, the more often Chicago probate attorneys are needed. It’s simply human nature. Greed increases in proportion to the size of the inheritance, and many families who have gotten along fine for years will suddenly turn against each other if a significant amount of money or property is at stake. Individuals are more likely to put serious effort into contesting a will if they feel that they could end up with a significant amount of cash.

Who Is Handling The Probate Process?

If you are  designated as the executor of the will, you will be responsible for monitoring the division of assets. This is a difficult and sensitive situation and you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Hiring Chicago probate attorneys to walk you through the process is one way to protect yourself and see that the probate process is handled properly.

Chicago probate attorneys can advise you on proper legal procedures and make sure that all legal deadlines are met. Handling the probate process is an important responsibility, and you can be subject to legal consequences if you don’t handle the estate correctly. If there are any questions at all about the terms of the will, hiring Chicago probate attorneys will protect you as well as the estate. The cost of hiring probate attorneys is minimal compared to the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you have qualified legal representation.

Some disputes seem inconsequential at first, causing executors to delay in hiring probate attorneys. Unfortunately, even seemingly small disagreements can quickly escalate after the death of a loved one. Hiring probate attorneys before the situation becomes too difficult is the best course of action for everyone involved.

If you are administering the estate and have never handled a probate matter before, hiring probate attorneys can come as quite a relief. You won’t have to worry that you’ve missed a deadline or whether you’ve filed anything incorrectly. Of course, if you’ve already filed paperwork improperly or made other errors before you hire probate attorneys, the cost and time involved in settling the estate will increase. For this reason, it’s best to hire probate attorneys early on.

Hire Chicago Probate Attorneys If You Aren’t Confident Every Step Of The Way

It’s tempting to tell yourself that you can handle the estate, but even minor details can cause significant headaches during the probate process. You’re taking a risk every step of the way if you aren’t familiar with the legal process or there are questions about the will. Good Chicago probate attorneys will clarify each step in the process and smooth the way for you in court. If the will is contested in court, you’ll have the advantage of working with attorneys who are familiar with the estate and the court system.  Chicago probate court can be intimidating; having legal counsel you’re comfortable working with is important.

The death of someone you love is always stressful. You can reduce your stress level and avoid unpleasant complications by hiring probate attorneys at the beginning of the probate process.

Keeping your will and estate plan updated is a chore you may push to the bottom of your to-do list. After all, you have a busy life and you did have a will prepared. But having a will that’s outdated can be the same as not having a will at all. Both can lead to problems when your estate is put into probate. If your life circumstances have changed over the years, your will may be inaccurate or outdated. At the least, you should review your will about every five years. Of course, if some major change in your circumstances happens before the five year mark, don’t wait. The more often you meet with estate attorneys who are versed in elder law, the better off your heirs will be.

You’ve Changed Your Marital Status Or Have More Children

If you check your will periodically, you may discover things you hadn’t thought of. If you’ve left something for each of your children, be sure any new children are added to your will. If you’ve gotten married or divorced, be sure your estate attorneys change your will to reflect your current marital state. It can be heartbreaking for your current wife if your will leaves everything to your ex-wife, and the financial consequences could be devastating. Talking to elder law attorneys each time you review your will is a good way to make sure you aren’t missing anything important and will minimize the likelihood your heirs will need litigation lawyers later.

Changes In Legislation Can Mean Changes In Your Will

Law makers periodically change legal guidelines that affect wills and estate plans. Meeting regularly with estate attorneys ensures your will meets all legal requirements. It will also give you the opportunity to discuss how any recent changes might affect you or your heirs. Responsible elder law specialists and estate attorneys should update you on relevant changes each time you meet.

You Need Documentation Of Changes

Wills are often contested by unhappy heirs if they don’t believe that your final will and testament is the correct one. By meeting with your elder law or estate attorneys on a regular basis, you help create a paper trail that will back up the validity of your will. It also helps reassure everyone that the will was actually prepared by you and that you intended to make relevant changes. You should also use the same estate attorneys over the years whenever possible in order to keep the chain of documentation unbroken.

Regular Check-Ups Will Minimize Oversights

Small details can be missed if you write your will, then forget about it for long stretches of time. If you regularly review it with estate attorneys or elder law specialists, you’re more likely to catch minor discrepancies or potential problems. You won’t have to worry about the distribution of even your smallest assets if your do a periodic check-up of your will. No detail is too small when you’re establishing an estate, so don’t hesitate to consult with an elder law specialist or estate attorneys who can answer any seemingly unimportant questions.

You Can Enjoy Life Knowing Your Family Is Provided For

Many people start to worry about what will happen to their families when they pass away. It can interfere with enjoying life here and now if you’re fearful your will won’t protect your loved ones in the future. Visiting estate attorneys periodically to review your will and make any changes needed can give you valuable peace of mind. You may not make changes to your will at every meeting, but just knowing you’re keeping on top of things with your estate attorneys is a valuable gift to your family.

It’s well known that the death of a relative, particularly one who has a substantial estate, can bring out the worst in some people. If you worry that your descendants or beneficiaries may not see eye to eye, you need to consider safe guarding your estate. In Chicago, estate planning lawyers can walk you through the steps needed to make your last will and testament as clear and ironclad as possible. Some of these steps will seem obvious, but others may surprise you. Talking to Chicago probate attorneys may also help you clarify certain problems in your estate and resolve them.

Keep Clear, Concise Records

There are few documents as important as your will and testament. Careless record keeping or the lack of clear instructions can immediately turn your demise into a war, particularly if you’ve written more than one will in the past. If someone is questioning the validity of your latest will, the executor of your estate or your estate planning lawyers should be able to produce unmistakable proof that the will in question is not only the last one you signed, but that it was clearly your intent that its instructions be followed.

Keep detailed, precise notes of every meeting with your Chicago estate planning lawyers, including any conversations about the content of your will. Record every date and time that you meet with your estate planning lawyers and the result of each meeting. Keep signed, witnessed copies of your current will as well as any prior wills in existence, but make sure you clearly designate which one is currently in force.

Taking notes during meetings with your estate planning lawyers is always a good idea. Trying to reconstruct your conversations after the fact can lead to problems, particularly if others remember the conversation differently. If you don’t think you can take accurate, detailed notes, invest in a small tape recorder or video camera and record the meeting with your estate planning lawyers, keeping the tape or tapes in a safe place with all copies of your will.

Among the records you should keep are any talks you have with your estate planning lawyers, discussions that take place while you’re drafting the will, and any guidance given to you by your will attorney. A detailed paper trail and recordings can combine to ensure that your final wishes are clearly understood by your heirs and estate planning attorneys. Your heirs should be able to produce a definite paper trail that ends with your current will, but don’t neglect leaving copies with others, including your will attorney.

Don’t Let Your Competency Be Called Into Question By Probate Attorneys Or Unhappy Heirs

You’ve probably heard of cases where neglected heirs have called a will into question because they believe the author of the will wasn’t in his or her right mind. Some people contest a will based on the premise that the author was being coerced or unduly influenced when the will was written. To be sure this doesn’t happen with your estate, have a doctor examine you on the day you sign any legal documents, including your will. Have the doctor verify in writing that you are of sound mind and body and keep this document with any and all copies of your will.

The witnesses you choose for your will can also verify your mental state when you sign your will. This is why Chicago estate planning attorneys recommend you have three witnesses or more, rather than the two witnesses required by law. Choose your witnesses carefully; they shouldn’t be strangers to you or each other. Close friends or acquaintances you’ve known for years are the best witnesses, as they can testify at a later date as to your mental state and competency.

Make Sure Your Will Is Clearly Written, With No Ambiguity

Chicago estate planning lawyers have seen many wills that are poorly drafted or unclear. They know how difficult it can be to enforce an ambiguous will and they’ll help you write a will that is crystal clear. One of the most common mistakes Chicago probate attorneys see is wills that were written by individuals using budget, “one size fits all” templates found online. Trying to write a will using generic legal software is also a recipe for a long, drawn-out legal battle over your estate. Always have your will written by experienced estate planning attorneys.

Be Honest When Talking To Your Heirs

Many wills turn into estate battles because the deceased re-wrote his or her will and either didn’t tell anyone, or didn’t explain any changes clearly. While you may want to avoid a confrontation with potential heirs who may be disappointed, it’s always best to be honest. Letting everyone know the specifics of your will can eliminate thousands of dollars in legal fees and prevent an ugly family feud after your death.

You should also make sure anyone you want to disinherit is unmistakable designated as such in your will and testament. Chicago estate planning lawyers can help you deal with this sensitive situation. This will minimize potential disagreements based on someone’s claim that they were accidentally or unintentionally excluded.

Take the time now to meet and work with experienced estate planning lawyers in order to reduce the chances of a protracted battle among heirs later. If your will is concise and clearly drafted, the chances that probate attorneys will be needed is minimized and your heirs will be more likely to abide by your wishes.

When you need an elder law specialist who is concerned with the rights of the elderly, you need to find someone who isn’t just a litigation lawyer. Chicago residents may find someone who is skilled at arguing a case but isn’t familiar with issues facing the elderly if they don’t narrow down their search to skilled attorneys who are also familiar with elder case law and specifics of retirement, elder abuse and other concerns of those over sixty-five. You need someone who is not only experienced in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, but someone who is compassionate, patient, and focused on helping the elderly.

If you need an attorney who specializes in elder law, ask the following questions to ensure you’re finding the right person to help you or your loved ones:

Are You Familiar With Elder Law?

Sometimes the most obvious questions are overlooked. Simply ask any attorney you are considering whether he or she is familiar with the many elder laws for your state. While any law firm can handle elder law issues, not every firm has attorneys on staff who are thoroughly familiar with the complexities of elder law or who specialize in litigating or negotiating elder law issues. Be sure and ask for the names and relative experience of each person in the firm who specializes in this particular type of legal work.

If you’re looking for a guardianship lawyer, Chicago has hundreds of attorneys who will be glad to help you, but not all of them have handled enough guardianship cases to truly make them experts. Ask how many guardianship cases the attorney has handled. Experience is crucial when you’re setting up or contesting a guardianship. Also be sure and ask how much experience the firm’s litigation lawyers have in case your elder law issue turns into a court case. Finding an elder law specialist who keeps up to date with the multitude of constantly changing elder laws in Chicago is crucial if you want results that will protect you and your loved ones.

Does Your Law Firm Handle Every Aspect of Elder Law?

Legal issues surrounding the well-being of the elderly are numerous. Don’t forget to ask any law firm you’re interviewing which areas of elder law they specialize in or are familiar with. While you may need an attorney to draw up a will or create a power of attorney now, you’ll probably need a litigation lawyer or specialist in retirement planning at some point down the road. You don’t want to have to shop around for a new attorney every time your needs change. Find a law firm that handles every aspect of elder law, including estates, trusts, Medicare issues, elder abuse and any other issue that could affect you and your family. If you need a guardianship lawyer, Chicago has dozens, but only a few are knowledgeable enough to handle all aspects of elder law for you.

Ask the attorneys you are interviewing which of these elder law specialties they routinely handle:

• Guardianship, Powers of Attorney and Living Wills;

• Medicaid and Medicare;

• Social Security;

• Estate Planning and Management;

• Long-Term Care Arrangements;

• Elder Abuse;

• Pension Issues and Retirement Plans; and

• Mental Health Issues.

What Elder Law Organizations Do You Belong To?

Elder law specialists take pride in their work and support other attorneys and organizations that are involved with protecting the elderly. The finest litigation lawyers who focus on elder issues will belong to organizations that promote elder law reform and understanding. Ask if the attorney is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, or NAELA or a local branch of the Area Agency on Aging.

Are You One Of The Best Lawyers I Can Find?

There is no one measurement that defines an outstanding attorney, but the “Super Lawyer” designation is one of the most reliable. This designation is determined by fellow attorneys and represents the top 5% of all lawyers. You can rest assured that an attorney is one of the best litigation lawyers or elder care attorneys around if his peers have chosen him for the distinction of being named a “Super Lawyer.”

Do You Help Others Learn About Elder Laws?

The most fervent advocates for the elderly are the ones who don’t stop at handling elder law cases when their work week ends. Look for attorneys who also have speaking engagements or offer seminars to those over 65 regarding elder care issues. Education is central to helping individuals like you understand the complexities of elder law.

Today’s elderly population is experiencing an increase in legal issues for a variety of reasons. When anyone over age 65 is in need of legal aid, it can be difficult to find an expert in Elder Law. Chicago has hundreds of attorneys, but not all of them are familiar with the ins and outs of elder law. If you’re over age 65 and have an issue that is in any way tied to your senior status, don’t just hire a litigation attorney. Chicago has many litigation attorneys who specialize in aging issues; they can represent you in the best way possible.

In the past, there was no designated area of the law that focused on issues facing the elderly, but about a decade ago, lawyers began using the phrase “elder law.” Chicago attorneys were quick to realize that this was a niche that required specialized skills. If they wanted to specialize in elder law, Chicago attorneys would have to have a broad base of experience in issues affecting senior citizens. This might include competency and mental health issues such as Alzheimer’s, age discrimination at the workplace, social security issues, pensions, benefits, and the establishing of estates and trusts.

Senior citizens who are facing a legal battle or who simply want guidance in establishing an estate or writing a will should turn to an expert in elder law. Chicago has many attorneys experienced in these areas. To find the right one for you, ask for an initial consultation and discuss your concerns. The right elder law attorney will treat you with dignity and respect. There are plenty of estate attorneys, but not all of them are familiar with all aspects of elder law; Chicago attorneys with elder law experience will clearly indicate this on their website.

Who Needs Elder Law? Chicago Faces An Aging Population

There are over 280,000 senior citizens in Chicago. Most of these individuals will need help with a legal issue at some point. The rapid growth of the senior population translates to a need for more attorneys specializing in elder law. Chicago attorneys who are familiar with issues such as social security and estate planning will clearly state their specialization on their firm’s website and will usually be involved in organizations such the Area Agency on Aging in order to keep their fingers on the pulse of senior citizen issues.

You may need to set up an estate, write a will, or talk to a Chicago estate planning attorney about concerns with your social security benefits or Medicare coverage. An elder law specialist will be able to answer your questions and, if you’ve been sued or are in a legal bind, he or she can also be your litigation attorney. Chicago based firms with elder law experience can give senior citizens the confidence to move forward, knowing they have an expert in their corner.

Experts In Elder Law: Chicago Lawyers Cover The Bases

Some law firms don’t have individual attorneys who are focused solely on elder law. Chicago law firms that don’t – may not be able to give you the kind of exceptional service, attention to detail, or expertise needed to take care of all your legal needs.

While most legal specialties are defined by the type of law practiced – criminal, civil, family court, etc. – elder law is defined by the kind of clients involved – the elderly. While representing an elderly client, an accomplished attorney might face issues in civil, criminal and family court while negotiating with business entities and setting up a viable estate plan. To do this, he or she will have to be an expert in law and finance as well as being a great litigation attorney. Chicago residents who are over 65 should find an attorney who will truly be able to represent them on every issue.

If you have an elderly relative or loved one, you need to familiarize yourself with elder law; Chicago attorneys are the right place to start. Don’t choose one who is just a litigation attorney; Chicago lawyers can handle every legal issue if they are knowledgeable in all aspects of elder law. Chicago attorneys can put you at ease, helping you and your loved one find answers and navigate the complexities of elder law.

This weekend Peck Bloom has several big events to share with our readers as we reach out to the community to advocate, raise awareness and educate.

THIS SATURDAY, September 11th, join Peck Bloom as it proudly sponsors the Chicago Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk for the third year. We can’t say it any better than the Alzheimer’s Association: “With more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 10 million more serving as caregivers, the time to act is now!” And World Alzheimer’s Day is September 21st so start your advocacy now!

In addition to the inspiring 5K walk down the Chicago lakefront, all of our team mates will receive a free autographed copy of Alzheimer’s Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers, written by our colleague Dan Kuhn of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. For more information on this event, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website or contact Kate Konieczny, Marketing Coordinator, at kkonieczny@peckbloom.com.

THIS SUNDAY, September 12th, at 10:30 a.m., from the comfort of your home,while you are reading your morning paper and sipping on some coffee, listen in to Radio 750AM  where Kerry Peck will chat live on “The Legal Forum” radio show about wills, trusts and estate planning.

Get questions answered such as:

• What are the general building blocks of estate planning every person should have- regardless of income?
• What is going on with the estate tax?
• What is the difference between a living will and a power of attorney for healthcare and what will happen if I don’t have one?

A busy weekend for us, but we hope you can join us!