The best elder law attorneys in Chicago in 2026 include Dutton Casey & Mesoloras and Peck Ritchey among established elder law firms, WhiteheadFink Elder Law for North Side families, Otte & Czajkowska for Medicaid and VA benefits, and Bielski Chapman and Chuhak & Tecson for elder law alongside wider planning.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dutton Casey & Mesoloras | The Loop | Long-term care planning and elder advocacy | Families across the region |
| 2. Peck Ritchey | The Loop | Long-term care planning and litigation | Families in dispute over care or finances |
| 3. WhiteheadFink Elder Law | Northwest Side | Medicaid and special needs planning | North Side families |
| 4. Otte & Czajkowska | Northwest Side | Medicaid, VA benefits and appeals | Veterans and Polish-speaking families |
| 5. Bielski Chapman | The Loop | Elder law and Medicaid planning | Families who also need estate work |
| 6. Chuhak & Tecson | West Loop | Elder law at a full-service firm | Larger estates needing coordination |
Elder law covers paying for long-term care, Medicaid, guardianship and protecting older adults from abuse. Medicaid long-term care has a five-year look-back at gifts and transfers, so plan as early as you can. Even in a crisis, when someone has already entered a nursing home, options can remain, so it's still worth a call.
Lists certified elder law attorneys and care navigation.
Dutton Casey & Mesoloras has offices in the Loop and several suburbs, and says its attorneys include those certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. Its services include elder care navigation and advocacy as well as legal planning.
Good to know: Ask about the elder care navigation service for a parent in crisis.
17 N State St, Suite 890, Chicago, IL 60602
Strong on contested elder matters.
Peck Ritchey handles long-term care planning and elder and guardianship litigation. It says its managing partner, Kerry Peck, was appointed to chair the Illinois Supreme Court's Commission on Elder Law.
Good to know: If you suspect financial abuse, bring the account statements.
321 S Plymouth Ct, 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
A small practice on North Pulaski Road.
WhiteheadFink Elder Law focuses on estate and elder law, with Medicaid and long-term care planning, special needs trusts, guardianship and small estate administration.
Good to know: A small firm can mean a single point of contact. Confirm it.
6232 N Pulaski Rd, Suite 404, Chicago, IL 60646
Handles Medicaid denials and VA benefits.
Otte & Czajkowska lists Medicaid planning, VA Aid and Attendance planning and appeals of long-term care Medicaid denials. Its attorneys and materials include Polish-language service, and it has several offices.
Good to know: Bring any denial letter straight away, because appeal deadlines are short.
6035 N Northwest Hwy, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60631
Elder law on the same team as estate planning.
Bielski Chapman lists elder law, special needs and Medicaid planning, alongside probate and trust administration, in one firm.
Good to know: Update powers of attorney while your parent still has capacity.
123 N Wacker Dr, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60606
Elder law within a private client group.
Chuhak & Tecson includes elder law with its estate planning and asset protection practice, which can work when elder care planning overlaps with a business or real estate.
Good to know: Ask for a clear estimate. Larger firms often bill hourly.
120 S Riverside Plz, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
Medicaid generally reviews asset transfers made within five years before applying for long-term care benefits, and improper transfers can delay eligibility. Don't give away assets before getting advice.
A power of attorney is a document signed while the person still has capacity, naming someone to act for them. Guardianship is a court process used if no valid power of attorney exists. A power of attorney is typically much simpler and cheaper.
The National Elder Law Foundation certifies lawyers who meet its experience and exam requirements. Dutton Casey & Mesoloras lists attorneys with that certification. Ask any firm to explain its lawyer's experience directly.