19th Annual Elder Law Short Course

TRACK A

Moderated by:Catherine E. Lenert, Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi, Lenert & Julien, P.C./Elder Law Center, P.C., Sugar Grove &

TRACK B

Moderated by: Melissa Johnson, Generation Law Ltd., Elmhurst

Wrangling the Monster: Long-term Care Insurance

Stana Martin, Mrs LTC., Inc., Independence, MO

Pre-Filing Considerations in Contested Trusts & Estates

Jesse Footlik, Peck Ritchey, LLC, Chicago
Kerry R. Peck, Peck Ritchey, LLC, Chicago&

Beginners Guide to Basic Medicaid Planning
Sponsored By: Krause Financial
This session will cover an overview of the basic Medicaid planning rules and regulations, including citations to the applicable Illinois Administrative Code sections and Medicaid Policy Manual rules.  We will take an in-depth look at what qualifies as an exempt resource and the various transfer rules that will allow your client to obtain the maximum benefit from their resources while meeting the eligibility requirements.   This session will include an overview of the rules for single applicants and married applicants as they begin their Medicaid journey, as well as some strategies to consider when you are faced with a client who did their own DIY Medicaid plan before seeking your legal advice and expertise.

Paige N. Fox, Fox Law, LLC, Chicago
Mollie A. Whitehead, WhiteheadFink Elder Law, LLC, Chicago

Post-Filing Considerations in Contested Trusts & Estates

Sponsored BY: FNBC Bank & Trust

Ashley C. Coppola, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.,Chicago
Priscilla Singer, Clark Hill PLC, Chicago

Tax Tips and Traps for Seniors, Estates and Trusts
Sponsored By: Old Second National Bank

The income tax laws pertaining to estates and trusts can seem daunting. However, the most important tax code provisions relevant to attorneys and their clients are relatively simple and easy to understand. This seminar will explore those income tax code provisions as they relate to estates, trusts and our aging clients so you can apply them easily your practice.

Amy DeLaney, DDV Law, Ltd., Orland Park, Oak Brook & Chicago &
Brian T. Whitlock CPA, JD, LLM, Jesser, Ravid, Jason, Basso and Farber, LLP, Chicago

Using Special Needs Trusts in an Elder Law Practice

SPONSORED BY: Life’s Plan, Inc.
This session is intended as a primer for the attorney new to elder law or the seasoned elder law attorney who doesn’t draft special needs trusts daily and needs a refresher.  We will review the basics of the entire range of special needs trusts including self-settled OBRAs, stand-alone third-party special needs trusts, and testamentary special needs trusts.  After covering the basic requirements of each, we’ll discuss drafting tips, establishment issues, and trust funding considerations.  And we’ll cover practical advice on when and how to effectively use special needs trusts, professional fiduciaries, care managers, True Link Cards and ABLE account alternatives in an elder law practice.  We’ll also cover practical advice on how to effectively counsel clients to make good decisions in establishing special needs trusts.

Kathryn C. Casey, Dutton Casey & Mesoloras, PC, Chicago &
Helen Mesoloras, Dutton Casey & Mesoloras, PC, Chicago &

Overview of Medicaid Waiver Programs

Wendy S. Cappelletto, Office of the Public Guardian of Cook County, Chicago
Eric J. Parker, Stotis & Baird Chartered, Chicago &

Estate Planning in Adult Guardianships

Planning when the Ward has testamentary
capacity and when the Ward does not and the
guardian is planning for the Ward, including
potential challenges after death.

Ray J. Koenig III, Clark Hill PLC, Chicago &
Amy McCarty, Monahan Law Group, LLC, Chicago

Real Estate and Probate
Sponsored By: Chicago Title Land Trust Company

Jennifer M. Lynch, June Prodehl Renzi & Lynch, LLC, Joliet

Citations to Discover and Recover

This session will be examining the rules and procedures surrounding citations to discover and citations to recover in probate estates, including some of the more nuanced challenges and complications involved in citation proceedings.
Jeffrey P. O’Kelley, Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP, Lake Forest

Long-Term Care Medicaid Appeals

Attendees will learn how to navigate next steps in adjudicating a denial or adverse Medicaid decision. This includes information on how to file an administrative appeal, reviewing administrative rules, and highlighting practice tips in preparing for an administrative appeal. Presenters will review a comprehensive guide containing pertinent citations that will assist both new and seasoned practitioners in representing clients in administrative appeals.

Megan Kinney, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, East St. Louis
Heather E. Voorn, Voorn, Jaworski, & Preston, PLLC, New Lenox &

Settlement Agreements

This session will cover the topics of best practices of attorneys seeking to settle contested Guardianship matters (both with the Respondent and between family members/Cross Petitioners), Family Settlement Agreements in Decedent's Estates and in settlements of Trust disputes under the Illinois Trust Code. 

Kate Curler, The Law Offices of Kate Curler, Chicago
Michael A. Otte, Otte & Czajkowska, Chicago