DDV Law, Ltd.

09/03/2026

Every parent wants to know their child will be safe and cared for, even when they can no longer provide that care themselves.

If you have an adult child with disabilities, planning can help address important questions about:
• Financial support - SSI vs SSDI
• Government benefits
• Housing
• Medical care
• Future decision-making

Your child's future deserves a plan designed specifically for them.

Start planning today for the peace of mind you want tomorrow. ❤️

09/02/2026

🎉 Please Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest soon to be Attorney! 🎉

DDV Law, Ltd. is pleased to welcome Eliot Smith to our team as our newest soon to be attorney!

Eliot is a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign Law School where he served on law review for the Elder Law Journal.

As an elder law firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families navigate important legal matters with care, compassion, and experience. We are excited to have Eliot join us and look forward to the knowledge and dedication he brings to our firm and our clients.

Please join us in giving Eliot a warm welcome to DDV Law, Ltd.! ⚖️

Welcome to the team, Eliot! We’re excited to have you on the team! 👏

08/28/2026

Financial exploitation of seniors and those with disabilities is on the rise. Take action to protect the ones you love.

What happens when a family member changes their will at the last minute, leaving everything to someone they've only just met?

Can a stranger inherit everything you own?

These are the questions raised during a case worked on by James Dimond, head of the elder financial abuse and guardianship disputes team at law firm Moores.

He acted for the family of a 91-year-old man who lived alone in the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy.

The man went into respite care and met a nurse he had never known. Within days, she had bought him a will kit and a document was drawn up leaving everything he owned to her.

Weeks later, the man died.

Was this the elderly man's clear, settled wish, or something else entirely?

Well, proving the difference is where it gets hard… and messy.

Was this a case of undue influence or fraud?

Find out by listening to Over My Dead Body, a new series exploring wills and succession on The Law Report.

Listen to all four episodes now on ABC listen, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Please note, this conversation does not represent or replace legal advice.

08/28/2026

It is never too soon to plan!

06/24/2026

The terms “estate planning” and “elder law” are often used together, but in Illinois they address distinct—yet deeply connected—needs. Estate planning focuses on protecting your assets, outlining your wishes, and ensuring a smooth transition for your loved ones. Elder law goes a step further by addressing long-term care, Medicaid eligibility, guardianship, and the legal challenges Illinois seniors may face as they age.

Understanding how both areas work together is key to building a strong, future‑focused plan.

Swipe to learn more about how Illinois estate planning and elder law intersect—and why working with an experienced elder law firm makes all the difference.

At DDV Law, Illinois’ oldest and largest elder law firm, we’re here to help you navigate every step. Call us to schedule a consultation and take the next step in protecting your future and your family.

06/19/2026

DIY estate planning can feel efficient, especially when online forms promise a complete will or trust in an afternoon. The problem is that estate plans are only effective if they comply with the state’s rules, are executed correctly, and work together as one coordinated set of documents.

Swipe to learn how a DIY estate plan can fail or cause delays and unintended consequences.

If you need an estate plan, know that we are here to help. Our team can help you create a compliant, comprehensive plan to protect your wishes. Give us a call today, and we can get started.

06/17/2026

🐾 Meet Rigatoni: DDV Law's Resident Office Dog and Unofficial Morale Officer! 🐾
At DDV Law, we know that a friendly face can make all the difference and Rigatoni is always ready to deliver one!

Known for his loyalty, intelligence, and welcoming personality, Rigatoni spends his days greeting visitors, boosting office morale, and keeping the team company during busy workdays. His hardworking nature and unwavering dedication fit right in with the values we strive to bring to our clients every day.

Whether he's offering a wagging tail, a comforting presence, or simply brightening someone's day, Rigatoni is an important part of the DDV Law family.

Stop by and say hello to our favorite four-legged team member! 🐶❤️

06/11/2026

Estate planning conversations are easy to put off—we see it all the time. But waiting can leave families with uncertainty during already difficult moments.

In our work as a Chicago estate planning lawyer and elder law team, we’ve found that most hesitation comes from not knowing where to start, feeling overwhelmed, or simply thinking there’s more time.

The good news? These conversations don’t have to be complicated. Starting small and getting the right guidance can make all the difference.

If you’ve been putting off your estate plan, we’re here to help you take that first step with clarity and confidence.

Have you started the conversation yet, or is it still on your to-do list?

06/05/2026

📬 Have you received a letter from your long-term care insurance company offering a policy "enhancement" or benefit increase?
Before you sign or accept any changes, take a closer look.

While some offers may provide additional benefits, others may result in higher premiums, modified policy terms, or the loss of valuable protections found in older policies. What appears to be an upgrade may not always be in your best interest.
Before making any changes, be sure to:

✔ Review the proposal carefully
✔ Determine whether the change is optional
✔ Understand the impact on future premiums
✔ Confirm whether any existing benefits will be affected
✔ Consult with your attorney

If you have received a letter from your long-term care insurance company and would like assistance reviewing it, our team is here to help.
📞 Contact DDV Law, Ltd. to schedule a consultation at 312-878-0155

Protecting your assets and preserving your long-term care planning starts with making informed decisions.

06/03/2026

Understanding how your assets will be transferred after your death is one of the most important parts of estate planning—and in Illinois, the rules can feel especially complex. Assets may transfer automatically based on how they’re titled, or they may require the Illinois probate process with oversight from the court. Knowing the difference helps ensure your plan works the way you intended.

Swipe to learn how Illinois handles automatic transfers (like joint tenancy, beneficiary designations, and trusts) versus transfers that require probate.

If you have questions about how your assets will transfer under Illinois law or want to review your current plan, our team at DDV Law is here to help. Call us today to get started.