Meet two Chuhak & Tecson attorneys who focus on elder law

Chuhak & Tecson is pleased to welcome two experienced attorneys in the Estate Planning & Trust Administration group who focus on elder law.

Mallory A. Moreno, a principal, devotes her practice to her passion of advocating on behalf of the aging population and individuals with disabilities, many of whom are unable to speak for themselves. Her extensive experience helps clients find a sense of peace during their moments of crisis, such as losing a loved one, being faced with unforeseen health problems, experiencing family strife or planning for expensive long-term care.

“We are living in an unprecedented time,” said Mallory. “For the first time in U.S. history, it is projected that by 2034 the number of individuals age 65 and older will outnumber individuals ages 18 and younger. This means that it is more important than ever to consider all that elder law provides to an ever-aging population. Elder law helps to protect and meet the needs of countless individuals as they navigate through their golden years.”

Both Mallory and principal Christine A. Barone’s practices encompasses contested and uncontested adult guardianships, decedents’ estates, estate planning and asset protection. They handle planning for those with disabilities or special needs and long-term care planning for eligibility and appeals for Medicaid benefits. They prepare and review contracts, wills, trusts and special needs trusts. Christine also represents nursing homes in securing and appealing Medicaid benefits for their residents and claims for payment from the state in the Illinois Court of Claims.

“Many people do not realize that there are options available to protect assets and ease the worry of how to pay for long-term care without completely draining resources,” explained Christine.

Mallory and Christine are Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA). According to the National Elder Law Foundation, there are only 17 CELAs in Illinois currently. Their practice includes a focus on estate and trust administration and litigation, including financial exploitation, will and trust matters, fiduciary disputes, issues of capacity, powers of attorneys, undue influence, financial exploitation and fraud. A portion of their practice is also dedicated to disability law.

Chuhak & Tecson elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting elderly or people with disabilities, including issues related to healthcare, long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security and so many other important matters. Elder law attorneys are trained and have the sensitivities needed to help their clients deal with often devastating life-altering events.