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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Knitting Tiny Hats for a Huge CauseOne U.K. company has turned a common pastime into a fun way to help people in need. The movement is called The Big Knit and it recruits people with a passion for knitting to create as many smoothie bottle-sized hats as they can. That’s right, the cute and creative beanies end up atop of bottles... Read More »
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Organized MadnessMarch is an exciting month around here. First, March Madness is on! My brother, my two boys and I have developed something of a tradition over the last seven years — we travel out to the 2020 NCAA Final Four at the end of March. My brother is in Ohio, and we all fly in... Read More »
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Estate Planning and PetsPets bring so much to our lives. They serve as constant companions and can be a source of joy for the entire family. In many cases, our pets are not only pets–they are part of our family. Naturally, pet owners feel concern for their pets and want to ensure that they are provided for if... Read More »
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Trusts and Estate PlanningA trust is a legal document through which you can transfer assets before and after your death. There are four components to the trust process: Grantor- the person who creates the trust (sometimes also called a settlor or trustmaker) Trustee- the person who handles the trust before and after your death, and is responsible... Read More »
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Long-Term Care Premiums Going Up, Up, UpAs a Michigan elder law and Medicaid planning attorney, I am always looking for alternatives to paying out-of-pocket for nursing home care. One of those alternatives is long-term care insurance. For those of you who have purchased long-term care insurance, keep an eye on your mailbox — a large premium increase may be on the way.... Read More »
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Dispelling Two Common Money Myths1. It’s best for one member of the household to manage the finances. It’s not uncommon for one person in a household to be the one who pays the bills and manages all the accounts. Some people don’t necessarily enjoy being involved in the finances, so by default, one person shoulders the responsibility. While this... Read More »
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How to Qualify for Medicaid Without Losing your Home or Life SavingsMedical coverage will probably become increasingly important for those who are entering their retirement years. For many seniors, Medicare helps pay for their standard medical expenses. This coverage, however, does not extend to certain kinds of necessary long-term care. Under these circumstances, individuals 65 and older often turn to Medicaid in order to pay for... Read More »
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Check Out Our New Elder Care Whiteboard Videos!We have spoken at hundreds of events over the years about Michigan Estate Planning, Elder Law and other senior issues. Whether we are talking to seniors, business organizations, government offices or other groups, there is one common comment we get: “We understand you. You actually speak in plain English, not like most lawyers”. We have... Read More »
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Travel Tips for SeniorsReaching your retirement years can be a time when you have the freedom to travel and enjoy exploring new destinations. You may want to take these trips with a spouse, a group of people, or on your own. The good news is that whatever your preference, today’s seniors have several appealing travel options available to... Read More »
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The Power of Attorney: Is it the Right Tool for You?When planning for your estate, it is essential that you designate where assets will go and make your final wishes known. However, what is equally important is that your estate plan includes designations as to who can make medical and financial decisions in the event you are unable to do so. Without these designations in... Read More »
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The Duties of a ConservatorWhen someone experiences impaired cognitive functioning, it can interfere with multiple aspects of their lives. One area that this can have a particularly destructive impact on is their finances. In some cases, the individual’s condition may be so severe as to warrant legal intervention to protect their funds and property. In such a situation,... Read More »
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Finding Fulfillment in Your Golden years: Why more Adults Over 55 Continue to WorkAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upward of 40% of people aged 55 and older are continuing to work past the normal retirement age. There are a number of reasons why people are choosing to stay employed, with one of the biggest being a lack of retirement funds, but some are also using work... Read More »