Attorneys:
Janna Dutton, Kathryn Casey,
Helen Mesoloras, Amy Gjesdahl,
Melissa Kallio, Samantha Zullo

Staff:
Vicky Fleming, Administrator
Karina Hernandez, Legal Assistant
Monica Westlake, Administrative Assistant
Erin Vogt, LCSW, CMC, Client Coordinator

Appointments Are Available In:
Arlington Heights, Chicago,
Naperville, Skokie Illinois 
and via phone and video conferencing. 

Contact Information for All Locations:
312-899-0950
contact@duttonelderlaw.com
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elder law foundation
March 2021
8 Tips for Having 'The Talk' with Older Parents

Talking about estate planning is a difficult, emotional topic, but it’s essential for every family. Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will and a wider plan for what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care of.

It is thought that less than half of Americans have a will. If your mother or father dies intestate – meaning without a will – such a situation could lead to added emotional strain and stress. And it could have financial implications for all their children and/or other family members. Read more about 'the talk". Read an article about "Legal Planning When LIving with a Chronic Medical Condition". Learn how we can assist you and / or someone you care about .
Financial Scams and Financial Exploitation - Resources You Need

Scams, also known as fraud, is an act which attempts are made to deceive with promises of goods, services, or financial benefits that do not exist, were never intended to be provided, or were misrepresented.

Helpful Resources

Financial exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his/her own personal benefit. This frequently occurs without the explicit knowledge or consent of an older or adult who has a disability, depriving him/her of vital financial resources for their personal needs.


Our Attorneys. Since 1989, we have been advocates for older adults and people who have a disability. Please review our website or contact Erin Vogt for information how we can assist you or someone you care about.
March is National Social Work Month. Erin Vogt, our Client Coordinator, is a licensed licensed clinical social worker and a certified care manager. She is an essential part of our team. Learn more about Erin Vogt and her role.
Upcoming Programs Via Webinar or Telephone

  • March 24- "Paying for Long-Term Care; Understanding the Medicare Myths"
  • April 1 - "Don't Be Fooled by the 1,2,3s of Elder Care Planning"
  • April 7 - "Legal Road Map for Aging Well"
  • April 16 -"It's About Living: Planning for Your Healthcare Future"
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

People are not defined by their disability. Read a fact sheet regarding writing and speaking about people who have special needs.

If you are asking yourself these (or related questions):.
  • Should I apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration for my child?;
  • Is my child eligible for Illinois Medicaid program benefits?,
  • Do the funds I and other family members set aside for my child's education impact his or her eligibility for SSI and Medicaid?,
  • Should I be appointed guardian?;
  • What might happen if I do not have a guardian appointed for my child?*
  • Do I need a Supplemental or Special Needs Trust for my child?
  • What is an ABLE Account?

Please contact us for assistance. Special Needs Law is a specialized area of law that involves representing, counseling, and assisting people who have a disability and their loved ones. Attorneys address the client's perspective from a holistic viewpoint by discussing legal, medical, financial, social, and family issues.
Phone Number for Locations: 312.899.0950  

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