Practice Areas

Experienced Elder Law Representation

At the Law Office of Eileen R. Fitzgerald, I help people in Downers Grove and throughout Chicago's western suburbs make responsible legal decisions as they plan for their later years. I have dedicated the past 18 years of my legal career to elder law and am authorized to practice law in Illinois.

Some areas of elder law I handle include:

• Estate planning: When planning for your family's future, there are wide array of legal options to consider. I will help you develop a strategy that best fits your unique needs and draft personalized wills, trusts and powers of attorney (regarding healthcare and finances) on your behalf.
• Medicaid planning: When determining whether a person is eligible to receive Medicaid benefits, the state of Illinois will go back and review the past 36 months of your financial records. They will scrutinize any transfers made during that time period. I will review the Medicaid rules with you and advise how those rules apply to your situation and advise what options are available with regard to protecting your assets. I can also help you create a pooled trust that will allow you to transfer assets and qualify for or remain eligible for Medicaid benefits. If you are denied benefits, I can assist you with a Medicaid appeal.
• Probate, trust and estate administration: I assist families with properly carrying out their legal responsibilities after a loved one's passing. The issues I assist clients with include the appointment of an executor or administrator, transfer of assets to beneficiaries, preparation of estate or trust income tax returns, accounting and general trust administration.

Call 630-493-4380 or contact me online to schedule a free initial and discuss your elder law concerns with a knowledgeable lawyer. My office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 until 5 and on Fridays from 9 until 3. House calls are available for clients who are unable to travel to my office.