Friday, August 22, 2025
Live Webcast
Moderator: Melissa Johnson, Generation Law, Elmhurst
8:45 - 9:00 Check-In & Registration
9:00 – 10:00 Guardianship Transfers
Delve into the legal precedents, procedural challenges, and interstate nuances that impact guardianship transfers. This session will discuss actionable insights on case management and strategic approaches to effectively represent clients.
Jesse Footlik, Peck Ritchey, LLC, Chicago
10:00 – 10:10 Break
10:10 – 11:10 Nuts & Bolts of Guardianship Pleadings
Drafting effective guardianship pleadings is essential for ensuring a smooth legal process and compliance with court requirements. This session will provide attorneys with a practical, step-by-step guide to preparing key guardianship documents, including petitions, reports, accountings, and proposed orders. Learn best practices for drafting clear, persuasive pleadings, avoiding common pitfalls, and addressing judicial expectations.
Susan L. DeCostanza, Garcia & DeCostanza P.C., Chicago
11:10 – 11:20 Break
11:20 – 12:20 Visitation, Marriage, and Reproductive Rights Under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act & Guardianship Law
Visitation rights, marriage decisions, and reproductive autonomy for individuals under guardianship or subject to a power of attorney present complex legal and ethical challenges. This session will provide attorneys with a deep dive into the Illinois Power of Attorney Act and guardianship laws as they relate to visitation disputes, restrictions, and third-party rights. Additionally, we will explore the legal implications of a ward’s right to marry and make reproductive decisions, including court involvement, capacity determinations, and potential challenges from interested parties.
Matthew R. Davidson, Monahan Law Group, LLC, Chicago &
John W. Whitcomb, Monahan Law Group, LLC, Chicago
12:20 – 1:00 Lunch (on your own)
1:00 -2:00 Guardianship with Non-Bank Agencies and Fiduciaries
As the use of non-bank case management agencies and corporate or non-family fiduciaries in guardianship continues to expand, attorneys must navigate complex legal and procedural challenges that they may not encounter regularly. This session will explore lesser-known aspects of working with public guardians, state guardians, banks, trust companies, and private case management agencies. We will discuss critical issues such as what happens to a power of attorney when the Office of the State Guardian or Public Guardian is appointed for only the person or estate, the cost disparities between different fiduciary options, and when guardians are willing to co-serve with individuals or financial institutions. Additionally, we will address common mistakes in petitioning for a public guardian, whether a public guardian can serve as a trustee, and key benefits and drawbacks of working with each type of fiduciary.
Wendy S. Cappelletto, Office of the Public Guardian of Cook County, Chicago
Amy Delaney, DDV Law, Ltd., Chicago, Orland Park, & Arlington Heights &
2:00 – 2:10 Break
2:10 – 3:10 Guardianship for Minors
Guardianship for minors presents unique legal and procedural challenges distinct from adult guardianship cases. This session will equip attorneys with essential knowledge on key issues, including the appointment process, parental rights considerations, financial management for minors, and transitioning out of guardianship upon reaching adulthood
3:10 – 3:20 Break
3:20 – 4:20 Budgeting and Accounting Issues in Guardianships
(1.0 Professional Responsibility, Pending Approval)
Managing financial matters in guardianship cases requires attorneys to navigate complex budgeting, accounting, and compliance obligations. This session will explore key legal and fiduciary responsibilities related to guardianship finances, including court-approved budgets, annual accountings, record-keeping requirements, and best practices for managing client assets. Gain insights into common financial pitfalls, ethical considerations, and strategies for ensuring transparency and compliance with guardianship laws
4:20 Adjourn
