Chicago 312.899.0950  I  Suburbs 847.261.4708

Appointments are available in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Skokie, and Westchester, Illinois, or via video conferencing or telephone.

Attorneys
Janna Dutton, Kathryn Casey,  Helen Mesoloras, Michaela Franco, Melissa LaPointe

Staff
Tina Gil, Angela Montgomery, Deborah Mihm, David Reich, Erin Vogt

Locations
Arlington Heights, Chicago, Skokie, and Westchester, Illinois
July 2017

Helen, who has been licensed to practice law since 2004 and joined our firm in June 2012,  is now a partner. In addition to serving her clients, she is the President of the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, is a frequently requested presenter for both community and professional groups, and has written numerous professional articles and handouts for consumers on elder law and estate planning topics. 

Helen finds practicing in the area of elder law and working closely with families truly rewarding. She states, "It is an area of the law that is relatable and has or will affect all of us at some point during our lives." 


While most elder law attorneys are estate planners, most estate planners are not elder law attorneys. Traditional estate planners focus on the transfer of your property at your death and minimization of estate taxes. While elder law attorneys also plan for transfer of property at your death as well as estate tax minimization, in addition, the attorneys formulate plans that also help protect your assets while you are alive, both from the expense of long term care as well as from financial exploitation in your later years. Also, elder law attorneys craft plans that protect you and your estate if you become incapacitated.  Read more.

ABLE Accounts

"ABLE" Accounts are a recent creation of federal law designed for individuals with disabilities to allow them to have a tax-free savings account which does not affect eligibility for public benefit programs such as SSI and Medicaid. States must establish the ABLE Account Programs.  Learn More .

Sometimes older adults find themselves owing past-due federal taxes they cannot afford to pay.  Although notices from the IRS can be especially frightening, there are solutions. Learn More. 
Medicare benefits start at age 65, but many people continue working past that age, either by choice or need. It is important to understand how Medicare and employer coverage work together.  Learn more.

 
It is not to early to plan, Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15th through December 7th every year. If you use the Open Enrollment period to choose a new Medicare Part C or Part D plan, that new coverage will begin on January 1.
Other Helpful Information



Have You Heard about the of the  Presumptively Void Transfers" Public
Act 098-1093.? Click here to read more.

Interested in learning about Legal Remedies for Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation? Attorney Melissa LaPointe is speaking in Elmhurst, Illinois on September 28, 2017. Learn more. 
Upcoming Presentations for Community Members and Professionals
  • Prepare to Care (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Dementia, Ethics, and Elder Law (Arlington Heights, Illinois)
  • Preparing Families for Dementia (Lombard, Illinois)
  • Understanding Decisional Capacity: How a Neuropsychologist Can Evaluate and Legal Options for Substitute Decision Making (Wheaton, Illinois)
  • Legal Remedies for Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation (Elmhurst, Illinois)
    and many more... Learn more..
Chicago 312.899.0950  I  Suburbs 847.261.4708

Appointments are available in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Skokie, and Westchester, Illinois, or via video conferencing or telephone.

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