The multifaceted area of elder law is rapidly evolving, especially due to the impact of COVID-19. Through various panel discussions with experts in the field, panelists and attendees explored hot topics within elder law and how the pandemic has impacted the practice of elder law. Specifically, attendees and panelists addressed how family law and elder law intersect (presented by
Prof. Rebecca C. Morgan of Stetson University College of Law and
Anita Ventrelli of Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP), how to handle and address clients and family members seeking advance directives and guardianships (presented by
Kerry Peck of PeckRitchey, LLC and
Brandon Peck of PeckRitchey, LLC), how caregiving has impacted society and families (presented by
Prof. Richard Kaplan of the University of Illinois College of Law), how to fund caregivers through public benefits (presented by
Wendy Shparago Cappelletto of the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian), what are the options and ethical issues with respect to end of life choices (presented by
Eric Parker of Stotis & Baird Chartered and
Amy Sherman of Compassion & Choices), how LGBT seniors are impacted by elder law issues (presented by
Elisabeth Hieber of the Center for Disability and Elder Law), and how to protect loved ones from financial exploitation (presented by
Charles P. Golbert of the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian). Additionally,
Prof. Rebecca C. Morgan of Stetson University College of Law gave an exciting and thorough elder law update.