If your parents or grandparents are aging, there are a lot of things that need to be done in order to prepare your family for its changing dynamics. When you’re considering your options for the future, it’s best if all family members are on the same page. To help make this process an easier one, attorneys who concentrate in elder law in Chicago have a few tips about things that you should consider when starting this sensitive conversation.
What Attorneys Concentrating In Elder Law In Chicago Want You To Know: Start The Conversation Early
If you’re noticing that your parents or grandparents are having a hard time getting around or become easily confused, you need to have a serious conversation about the future as soon as possible. However, attorneys who concentrate in elder law in Chicago recommend starting a conversation well before it’s needed. When you can discuss the future with your parents when they’re still able to make all decisions for themselves, they can play an active role in deciding where they’re going to live and how they want things to be handled in case they’re not able to make decisions for themselves.
What Attorneys Concentrating In Elder Law In Chicago Want You To Know: Legal Counsel Isn’t Always Necessary
Many families worry that they need the help of an attorney who concentrates in elder law in Chicago before they start a conversation with their parents or grandparents about the future. If your older relatives still have their mental faculties, this isn’t necessary. However, if they aren’t fully competent, it may be important to contact an attorney who concentrates in elder law in Chicago for assistance. He or she will be able to help you determine if you need to apply for a guardianship so you can make healthcare and other decisions for your parents.
What Attorneys Concentrating In Elder Law In Chicago Want You To Know: About Driving
Driving is a privilege, but many older drivers have been behind the wheel for decades, which can make it seem like a right instead of a privilege. This makes it difficult for seniors to accept when it’s time to hang up the car keys. Laws can vary when it comes to seniors and driving, but in Illinois, drivers must apply for renewal every two years between ages 81-86 and every year when they reach age 87 and older. Drivers age 75 and older also need to take a road test in order to renew their driver’s license. What happens, however, if your parent has recently had a number of accidents or you feel as if he or she shouldn’t be driving anymore, even though they are legally able to? An attorney concentrating in elder law in Chicago can provide you with legal advice on how to approach this situation.
Aging is inevitable and if families don’t have a plan for their aging parents or grandparents, it could cause a lot of stress and havoc. If you have questions regarding elder law in Chicago, please visit Peck Ritchey, LLC. To learn more about the firm’s services, please visit our about us page.