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:
Phone - 312-899-0950

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elder law foundation
April 2021
Congratulations to Partner Helen Mesoloras who is now a Certified Elder Law Attorney.




Joining Janna Dutton, who has held the certification since 1995, and Kathryn Casey, the certification is another representation of our firm's ongoing commitment to older adults, people who have special needs, and their loved ones.

This certification is frequently been referred as “the gold standard” for elder law and special needs practitioners. Watch a video regarding the importance of working with a CELA
The Film 'I Care a Lot' Highlights Vulnerabilities in the Guardianship System

Attorney Melissa Kallio is the current chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Elder & Disability Law Committee.

On April 20, 2021, the Committee will hold its annual seminar for attorneys via a live webcast. This year’s topic is “Preserving Independence in the Guardianship Decision-Making Process.” This seminar, which includes Attorney Amy Gjesdahl, will explore the role of the legal decision-maker from the perspective of practitioners advocating for different viewpoints in the guardianship process. Guardianship abuse and the loss of rights for persons with disabilities has been in the spotlight as of late. This seminar will highlight strategies to maximize the independence and dignity of persons with disabilities. Attorneys wishing to register for the event may do so here.
What is Long-Term Care and Who Provides It?

Long-term care is the care you need if you can’t perform daily activities on your own for an extended period of time. There are a number of different ways that long-term care can be provided. Most long-term care involves assisting with basic personal needs rather than providing medical care. You are usually determined to need long-term care if you need help with two or more “activities of daily living” (such as bathing, dressing, eating, and going to the bathroom). Family members usually provide long-term care to start, but as an illness escalates paid care may become necessary. 

The attorneys and staff can assist you and / or someone you care about to plan for today.. and the future Please review our website or contact our contact Erin Vogt, LCSW, CMC, our Client Coordinator, for information. Register for a program, being held May 25, regarding paying for long-term care.
Upcoming Programs

  • April 16 -"It's About Living: Planning for Your Healthcare Future". This program is being held in Honor of National HealthCare Decision Day.
  • May 5- "A Legal Road Map for Aging Well"
  • May 6 - "Understanding the Surrogate Decision Makers- Who Decides When Your Client or Patient Can't?"
  • May 25 -"Paying for Long-Term Care - Uncovering the Medicare Myths
Phone Number for Locations: 312.899.0950  

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