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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Seniors Alert – Funeral Notice ScammersSavvy seniors are becoming very smart about spotting scam messages. So scammers are always on the hunt for new ways to evade the “delete” button. This scam email, disguised as a funeral notification, reaches a new low, and is targeted at seniors. How the Scam Works: You receive an email with the subject line “funeral... Read More »
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Probate In Michigan | Don’t Make This MistakeMichigan probate law is a strange creature. Sometimes when you plan without fully understanding this creature, the result is directly opposite what you intended. Let me tell you a sad story about “Mrs. Smith”. Mrs. Smith had four children, all of whom she loved and trusted. One daughter, Sally, lived closer and started helping Mrs.... Read More »
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Solving Homelessness and Loneliness at the Same TimeA Home That Fits combines community-building and affordable housing. Communities with vacancies invite low-income young people to become helpful neighbors.
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Taking It One Day at a TimeIn our community and around the country, countless people are adapting to a new way of doing things. Many people are now working from home, at least temporarily, or they may have been furloughed or laid off. Those who are already retired may find themselves with less to do. But no matter your situation, we’re... Read More »
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Spring-Clean Your FinancesWith the arrival of spring comes the annual tradition of spring-cleaning. You clean out your home and organize your garage — at least, you try to. But with all the tidying up, are you also “spring-cleaning” your finances? Cleaning up your finances every year is just as important as organizing your home. It’s an excellent... Read More »
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Do I Need to Claim the Portability Exemption?A married person usually has concerns about making sure that they plan for their estate in a manner which leaves their surviving spouse and beneficiaries with as much of their assets as possible. For those couples whose own high-value assets which exceed a certain amount, the Portability Exemption could be a vital part of... Read More »
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Support Programs for Dementia CaregiversWhen someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is usually after they begin having trouble with their mental processes. For some, their symptoms may be mild enough to remain at home with the supervision and care of a spouse, adult child, or someone else who is close to... Read More »
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Medicaid PlanningAffording long-term nursing or other personal care services can be difficult for those who need these services. It may come as a surprise to some that these necessary medical services are not covered by their Medicare plans. This situation leaves many people in the position of relying on the Medicaid program to pay for this... Read More »
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Leaping into FebruaryFebruary may be a short month, but there is a lot going on. To kick off the month, I’ll be attending the second annual National Alliance of Attorneys for Alzheimer’s Planning (N3AP) conference. This takes place Feb. 1 and 2 in sunny Tempe, Arizona. As a founding member of the N3AP, I am fortunate to... Read More »
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Divorce and Social Security BenefitsDivorce is not a simple proposition at any age. It is often a long and emotionally draining process which involves complicated decisions about dividing marital assets and negotiating future financial stability. When a couple has been married for decades, there are a number of factors to consider in marital dissolution. One factor is the couples’... Read More »
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Stylists Help Dementia Patients Keep IdentityVisiting the salon can be an important ritual in a person’s life. It helps us to feel attractive, clean, and pampered. Those minutes or hours spent in that styling chair can also be therapeutic, as we tell all to our stylist. But what happens to those living in care homes, unable to make the trip... Read More »
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Becoming Parents to your GrandchildrenGrandparents often step in to support their grandchildren, but unexpected events like a parent's death, incarceration, or addiction may require them to take on full-time caregiving. This transition can be unexpected and difficult.