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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What are you thankful for?“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” ~ Guillaume Apollinaire Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and give thanks for our many blessings. I think it’s natural sometimes to focus on what we don’t have instead of the things we are grateful... Read More »
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This Dangerous Scam Lost One Man Hundreds of Thousands of DollarsIt all started with a phone call. The 87-year-old man picked up his ringing phone and heard what we’ve all wished to hear: someone announcing that he’d won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes. Fifty million dollars, to be exact. All he had to do, the voice on the phone instructed, was send $23,000 to cover... Read More »
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Gray DivorceWhen a couple who has been married for several years decides to end their marriage, their reasons are usually complex. It may be that after decades together, they have grown apart or because of something as devastating as an affair. While divorce can be one of the most financially and emotionally devastating experiences a person... Read More »
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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 »