In our regularly updated blog, we discuss a wide range of topics of interest to Michigan seniors and their families. Learn what estate planning documents are essential in case of incapacity due to illness or injury, why you might benefit from creating a trust, how to use Medicaid benefits to pay for long-term care needs, and much more. To discuss your specific concerns, please contact our office to request a free initial consultation.
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When it is Time to Change Your Power of AttorneyTwo critical pieces of any estate plan are the powers of attorney for medical care and for finances. These designations are essential because they allow you to name the person you want to make choices about these subjects for you if you become incapacitated. After they are designated, the people in these roles will have... Read More »
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Retirement Plans and Your Medicaid EligibilityWhen applying for Medicaid, the key issue regarding a retirement plan (for example, your IRA or 401(k)) is whether or not it will be a “countable” asset for the purpose of determining Medicaid eligibility. Eligibility is based upon the amount of assets the applicant has available. To be eligible, a single Medicaid applicant generally cannot... Read More »
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What is a Michigan Domestic Asset Protection Trust?A concern of anyone with creditors is that something may happen in their lives or to their business which will leave their personal assets depleted. Until recently, Michigan residents did not have many ways to protect themselves from such an occurrence. However, recently Michigan joined a growing number of states which allows domestic asset protection... Read More »
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The Importance of Senior WellnessIt is not surprising that having good health during our senior years usually means being able to participate in a variety of enjoyable activities such as spending time with family and friends. It can also mean being able to remain physically and mentally healthy. For older adults prioritizing wellness through routine exercise, positive nutrition, social... Read More »
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What is a Portability Election and How Does it Relate to You?As married couples plan for their estate there is a concern that what they have will be taxed by the IRS leaving little for their surviving spouse and beneficiaries. In many cases, the estate will not be large enough to be taxed. However, for those estates whose value exceeds a certain amount, the Portability Election... Read More »
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Medicaid and Your Long-Term PlansSeniors entering their retirement years are often concerned about planning for their future medical needs. Some may have private health insurance policies in place while others plan to be mostly reliant on Medicare. For many, it may be a surprise to learn that their insurance and Medicare will not include the coverage associated with long-term... Read More »
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Experience and FocusHere’s something you may not know: I am one of 19 certified elder law attorneys in the state of Michigan — a state with over 35,000 practicing attorneys. Certification in elder law is a huge step above passing the state bar and practicing as an attorney. In order to become certified, eligible attorneys are put... Read More »
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Do I Need to Include a No-Contest Clause in my Will or Trust?Most people know someone who has had to endure conflict surrounding the distribution of a deceased loved one’s estate. Unfortunately, whether its relatives laying claim to family heirlooms or siblings feuding over real estate, things can get nasty even in the most amicable families. One way to prevent this kind of fighting is to include... Read More »
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Communities Bring Together People of All AgesImagine sharing your land with a community of around 30 other families. You each have your own homes, but the land is cared for by all. Your neighbors range from young families with babies to single retirees, and everyone knows everyone else. You are regularly involved in planning activities with your neighbors, and you have... Read More »
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Legacy Trust and Your FamilySomeone preparing an estate plan often wants to designate that certain funds, possessions, and resources be passed on to family members. When there are significant assets, the individual may wish to leave their estate in a manner which can continue to generate income and increase in value for the benefit of their family continually. In... Read More »
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Supporting Primary CaregiversTaking care of another person’s needs can be challenging under any circumstances. Often when an elderly loved one needs care due to changes in their mental or physical health and wishes to remain in the home, the caregiving role is taken on by their family. Providing this kind of care on a full-time basis can... Read More »
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How To Make a Will Legal In Howell, Michigan?Will lawyers in Howell are privileged to work with all kinds of families in order to plan for and protect their futures. There are many tools that can be used to this end. Probably the most common (and most basic) of them all is the will. We’ve all seen the dramatic readings in movies and... Read More »