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By staying active in the community through speaking engagements, writing articles and attending conferences, our attorneys, and staff, have a more comprehensive understanding of not only the concerns that face our clients today, but also the remedies available to them.

A special needs trust (or supplemental needs trust) can help a person with disabilities supplement any benefits they may receive from government programs. With a well-crafted special needs trust, the beneficiary can receive public benefits while receiving funds from the trust at the same time. Special needs trusts come in Read more
As our loved ones age or face medical challenges, questions about future care and legal decision-making become more important. In Illinois, the law offers a powerful planning tool known as standby guardianship, which allows families to prepare for a time when an adult may no longer be able to manage Read more
When a loved one passes away, the administration of their estate can be complex—especially if they resided in one state but owned property in another. This situation often triggers what’s known as ancillary probate, a secondary legal process to administer the out-of-state property. For example, if someone died while residing Read more
One area that causes a lot of confusion regarding Medicaid is the lookback period. What exactly does it mean for applicants? Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is a means-based program. In other words, you are only eligible for Medicaid if you have very few assets. The government does not want you to Read more
One area that causes a lot of confusion regarding Medicaid is the look-back period. What exactly does it mean for applicants? Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is a means-based program. In other words, you are only eligible for Medicaid if you have very few assets. The government does not want you to Read more
Federal law requires each state to attempt to recover long-term care benefits from Medicaid recipient’s estates after their death. This is known as Medicaid estate recovery. If a Medicaid recipient had failed to protect their house, it may need to be sold to settle the claim. Who Does the Medicaid Read more
Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a person’s property (the “estate”) after death.  If the person had a will, the will goes through probate, which is the process by which the deceased person's property is passed to his or her heirs and legatees (people named in the Read more
A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make your own decisions. Fortunately, receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s does not mean Read more
In today's world, it is crucial to have healthcare insurance. So, it can be concerning if your application status is still “Medicaid Pending.” Medicaid Pending status means that your Medicaid application or your parent’s application has not yet been approved or denied. Essentially, your application is in limbo. Here is Read more
Older people may need a trusted individual to step in and manage their affairs, should they ever suffer debilitating health problems like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and strokes. Adult guardianship can provide protection and assistance with certain decisions for an incapacitated individual — known as a “person under guardianship” — who Read more

Important Memberships, Certifications, and Affiliations

NAELA
National Elder Law Foundation
Academy of Special Needs Planners
Rated by Super Lawyers
Leading Lawyers
Chicago Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
LGBT
Sage Care
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