Fishman Miller PC

02/18/2026

Turning 18 is a milestone most families celebrate — but it also brings an important legal change many people don’t realize.

Once a child becomes a legal adult, parents no longer have automatic authority to access medical information, make healthcare decisions, or handle financial matters in an emergency. Without the proper documents, even a parent may be legally unable to help.

A few simple estate planning documents can prevent unnecessary stress and delays:

• Health Care Power of Attorney – Allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot
• HIPAA Authorization – Permits access to medical information
• Durable Power of Attorney – Covers financial and legal matters
• Living Will – Expresses treatment preferences

These protections are especially important for young adults heading to college, traveling, or living independently.

📅 Free Educational Seminar
🗓 March 4, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM
📍 Old Village Hall, Algonquin

Register through Algonquin Recreation

Estate planning at 18 isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about making sure the right people can help when it matters most.

06/17/2025

📚 ESTATE PLANNING 102 – Go Beyond the Basics! 🏡💼
📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025
🕐 Two sessions: 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM
📍 Algonquin Historic Village Hall – 2nd Floor

Join Fishman Miller PC for the next step in your estate planning journey. In this deeper, more advanced session, we’ll explore the important topics that often go overlooked—but could matter most for your family's future.

✅ How Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs) help protect your assets
✅ Creating pet trusts to ensure your beloved animals are always cared for
✅ Estate planning for parents of newly independent teens turning 18
✅ A general overview of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
✅ Plus a helpful discussion on college applications and financing

This session is perfect for those who want to be proactive and better prepared—no matter your stage in life.

🎟️ Free to attend! Register through the Algonquin Recreation Department.

💼 Hosted by Fishman Miller PC in Partenership with the Village of Algonquin
🔗 www.fishmanmillerpc.com
📞 847-977-2500

FISHMAN MILLER PC Legal advice you can trust, since 1999. FISHMAN MILLER PC EstatePlanning Start taking advantage of the numerous benefits of estate planning, including potential tax reduction, increased asset control, and increased privacy. See Details CorporateBankruptcy Trusted, knowledgeable ser...

04/28/2025

📣 Join Us for Estate Planning 101!
Wondering if you need a will or trust? Confused about power of attorney or guardianship? Get the answers at our free seminar: Estate Planning 101—hosted by Fishman Miller PC.
📅 May 7, 2025 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM
📍 2 S Main Street, Algonquin, IL
🔗 Register now: [https://rec.algonquin.org/prod/ParksRec/portal/Home
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04/24/2025

📣 Join Us for Estate Planning 101!
Wondering if you need a will or trust? Confused about power of attorney or guardianship? Get the answers at our free seminar: Estate Planning 101—hosted by Fishman Miller PC.
📅 May 7, 2025 1:00pm and 6:30PM
📍 Historic Village Hall 2 S Main Street, Algonquin, IL
🔗 Register now: https://rec.algonquin.org/prod/ParksRec/portal/Home
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08/26/2024

Sincere thanks to everyone who commented on, Liked or otherwise acknowledged my Board position with Paisley Paws. Much appreciated!

08/22/2024

Congratulations Jack Fishman in being asked and accepting the Board Member position with Paisley Paws Charitable Veterinary Foundation. As an animal lover, Jack firmly believes that all animals are deserving of the very best care, unfortunately, for some, the best care may be out of financial reach for their owner. Paisley Paws Charitable Foundation is a foundation dedicated to helping those individuals find the best care for their animal as well as be able to afford it. Being a Board Member is an honor and a privledge and as a Board Member, Jack will offer his wisdom and insight he has to a particular issue and make himself available to the foundation as he is needed. Jack will attend and be an active member in and at meetings to help craft and endorse long-term strategic objectives that align with the foundation's mission. Jack will actively participate in the foundation's fundraising pursuits in a role that will be most beneficial to them as well as contributing his skills and expertise to specialized committees in the furtherance of the foundation's mission. If you would like to learn more about this wonderful foundation or how you can help, please check out their website:

Paisley Paws is a 501c3 Charitable Pet Foundation dedicated to providing assistance to pet owners veterinarians, technicians, and veterinary students.

09/13/2023

Many people have pets, pets are prevalent in all households and become
valued members of the family.

68% of U.S. households own a pet, a total of almost 86,000,000 families
owning some kind of pet, with dogs and cats the most prevalent and fish
third most common pet.
Americans spend about $99 billion on their pets and pet products every year.

Illinois is one of the leading pet advocate states in the country, and his
numerous laws regarding the protection and welfare of pets.

Whether it is an issue with a pet's health, safety or welfare, whether it is
an issue that involves a veterinary clinic or another animal health care
provider, whether it is an issue with the shelter adopting out pets , or an
issue with a neighbor or another animal, we value our relationships with our
pets and want to make sure they are treated and provided for as well as
possible.

Fishman Miller PC has dealt with various issues with pet owners, veterinary
clinics and vets, clients who had animals in veterinary clinics or had
adopted pets from shelters, issues with neighbors of clients with pets, and
other related matters.

Pet Trusts, a vehicle for providing for our pets during our incapacity or
after our death, and making sure our pets are provided for and are well
taken care of even if we are not able to do so ourselves, are becoming an
ever more accepted estate planning tool, to make sure that our four-legged
family members are always taken care of.

Fishman Miller PC's pet seminar will address the above issues, and there
will be the opportunity for discussion on any other matters regarding pets,
whether part of an estate plan or issues that may have transpired with a
beloved animal.

Wednesday October 4, 2024 at 1:30Pm and 6:00 PM in the Old Village Hall Algonquin 2 S Main Street

08/31/2023

Young adults today face numerous legal and financial and challenges and complexities in today's fast-paced world. As they navigate through the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and whether they are college bound or are choosing another path, it becomes increasingly important for them to have a solid understanding of basic legal, estate planning and financial matters. Taking proactive steps in having a properly structured estate plan enables them to protect their assets, plan for retirement, and ensure their wishes are carried out in the event of incapacity or death. Documents such as a Property Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and HIPAA privacy medical notice are essential documents for all adults to have, regardless of size or nature of their estate, whether or not they are living at home, attending college or working. These documents and others will be discussed and explained in this seminar. And managing personal finances, such as establishing a budget, saving for emergencies, and investing wisely, can help young adults lay a strong foundation for their future financial well-being.

FISHMAN MMILLER PC will be hosting a seminar on September 6, 2023, at the Old Village Hall in Algonquin addressing these issues. Billie Jo Weis, Vice President of My College Planning Team and an expert on college financial planning, will be available to answer questions regarding choosing and paying for college.

Some of the topics to be covered include:

FINANCIAL AID
How to qualify for financial aid
The different types of financial aid (grants scholarships, loans)
When is the best time to apply for financial aid
How much can a student expect in financial aid

ESTATE PLANNING
Why a young adult with no assets needs to have an estate plan
Documents needed when reaching the age of majority
Why a parent may need access to medical records and accounts and how they can access them


FINANCIAL PLANNING
Basics of young adult financial planning to assist in preparing for future financial success

07/06/2023

When a loved one dies, the last thing on our minds is dealing with legal matters. Unfortunately, these things cannot be ignored. It is important to be aware of what needs to be done so that the deceased's wishes are carried out and their assets are distributed as they intended.
One of the first things that needs to be done is locating the will. If a will exists, it will need to be filed with the probate court. If there is no will, the probate court will appoint an executor to handle the distribution of assets.
Next, any outstanding debts the deceased had will need to be addressed. This includes paying off any credit card balances, loans, and mortgages. The executor will be responsible for making sure all bills are paid.
The executor will also need to identify and locate all assets. This includes bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Once all assets have been identified, they will be distributed according to the deceased's wishes.
If disputes arise among beneficiaries, a mediator or attorney can help resolve any conflicts.

To avoid any confusion or potential disputes, it is important to regularly review and update your will and communicate your wishes to loved ones.

In summary, dealing with post-death legal matters can be overwhelming, but being aware of the necessary steps can help ease the process. Start by locating the will and identifying all assets, paying off any outstanding debts, and communicating your wishes to loved ones. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney or mediator, any potential disputes can be resolved fairly.

Please join us Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in the Old Village Hall, 2 S Main Street, Algonquin, IL. for a free seminar on Post Death Legal Matters 1:00pm-2:30 PM or 6:30PM-8:00PM. Sign up at Algonquin Recreation

06/27/2023

Death Legal Matters To Be Considered
Losing a loved one is never easy, but it is important to consider the legal matters that arise after their passing. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Wills and Probate: If the deceased had a Will, it may need to be submitted to probate court. This process can be complicated and time-consuming, but if necessary, it ensures that the Will is followed and assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes.
2. Estate Planning: If the deceased did not have a Will, their assets will still need to be distributed, presumably as the decedent desires. Estate planning can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and can also help you minimize taxes, costs and facilitate ease of administration.
3. Funeral Arrangements: Funeral arrangements need to be made as soon as possible after a loved one's passing. If the deceased has already made arrangements, it is important to follow them. If not, someone will need to be appointed to make the arrangements.
4. Trusts: Trusts can be a useful tool for protecting assets and ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes. If the deceased had a trust, it will need to be administered according to the terms of the trust agreement.
5. Taxes: It is important to consider the tax implications of a loved one's passing. Depending on the size of their estate, they may owe state and federal estate taxes.
These are just a few of the post-death legal matters that need to be considered. Dealing with the legal aspects of a loved one's passing can be overwhelming, but working with an attorney experienced in estate planning can help ensure that everything is handled properly.
Come join us on July 12, 2023 at Historic Village Hall, 2 S. Main Street, from 1:00-2:30 PM or 6:30-8:00PM for a seminar on Post Death Legal Matters. Questions and answers after the seminar. Please contact the Algonquin Recreation Department https://rec.algonquin.org/CourseActivities.aspx?id=30&cat=14 to register.
If you can’t make it-contact Anne ([email protected]) or Jack ([email protected]) or call 847-977-2500 to schedule an appointment.

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06/21/2023

As our population ages, more and more people find themselves caring for elderly parents or other relatives. This can be a challenging and complex responsibility that requires careful attention to legal nd financial matters. In order to make sure you're properly taking care of your loved ones while also protecting their interests, it's important to understand the legal obligations and options available to you. From powers of attorney to healthcare directives, there are a variety of legal tools that can help streamline the process and ensure that your parent receives the care they need. FISHMAN MILLER PC can help you navigate these challenging and complex responsibilities. Call us at 847-977-2500 or email us at [email protected] and let us help you.

06/07/2023

Why do young adults, including those who may be planning
for or going off to college, or entering the workforce, need
at least basic estate documents? Why is financial planning
and possibly planning for college expenses, something that
both the young adult and their parents should be discussing,
both before and after the young adult reaches the age of
18? There are a myriad of reasons and complications that
even individuals with limited assets, as they begin their
working career, or as they head off to college, may need
to understand. Further, nonfinancial documents, such as
health care powers of attorney and HIPAA authorizations,
authorizing parents, or not, to have access to certain school
or medical records that they would no longer be able to
obtain because of the child’s age, are topics for discussion. Sign up for the Young Adult Seminar at the Historic Village Hall in Downtown Algonquin on June 14, 2023, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm or 6:30-8:00pm.