Attorney Stephen Johnston Joins CMDA

Please join us in welcoming Stephen Johnston to CMDA. Stephen C. Johnston is an attorney in both our Livonia and Clinton Township offices where he focuses his practice on estate planning, probate litigation and administration, and transactional matters. He enjoys working in probate and estate planning for the comfort it can provide to his clients. During what can be a troubling time, he focuses on building a strong attorney-client relationship […]

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Caregivers: Five Steps to Eliminate Legal Hurdles

The U.S. population is increasingly aging. Family members of aging loved ones are increasingly stepping into the role of helper or caregiver. Fulfilling these responsibilities requires a great deal of time, energy and focus. Caregivers should be able to act with minimal complication and resistance. Too frequently, caregivers struggle to overcome legal hurdles when making decisions for their charges. There are five steps caregivers should take to eliminate frustrating, and […]

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Richards’ Article on Guardianships Featured in Urban Aging News

The latest issue of Urban Aging News highlights an article on Guardianship:Another Take on the Pros and Cons of Probate Court written by Norman “Gene” Richards. The article provides an explanation of a guardianship, the benefits and downsides of a guardianship, as well as some alternatives to having a guardianship in place. Urban Aging News is a quarterly publication that provides information, insight, and inspiration for Metro Detroit’s maturing adults. […]

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Chris Schultz Selected as a “Go To Lawyer” in Business Law

CMDA is proud to announce that Christopher G. Schultz has been recognized as a “Go To Lawyer” for Business Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. The “Go To Lawyers” program identifies and recognizes the top 22 lawyers across the state in a given practice area. Christopher G. Schultz has broad and extensive experience of nearly 40 years in matters involving small and large businesses and related litigation. He has significantly grown […]

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Richards’ Article on Ladybird Deed Featured in Urban Aging News

The latest issue of Urban Aging News highlights an article on The Ladybird Deed written by Norman “Gene” Richards. The article provides an overview of the ladybird deed, along with the benefits and challenges that come with that method of transferring property when a person dies. Urban Aging News is a quarterly publication that provides information, insight, and inspiration for Metro Detroit’s maturing adults. Check out the Spring 2022 issue here. […]

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CMDA & Dignity Memorial Present Free Online Estate Planning/Elder Law Seminar Series

CMDA has teamed up with Dignity Memorial to present a practical and informative collection of free online seminars. CMDA Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Norman E. Richards will be presenting on behalf of CMDA. You will learn about the essential legal documents and strategies you should have in place for smoothing life’s transitions. Also, find out how to protect your loved ones by planning your life celebration in advance. […]

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Michigan Governor’s Executive Orders Highlight the Importance of Having a Power of Attorney

Media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic is replete with horror stories about assisted living residents being on “lock-down” and unable to visit with loved ones. People have been avoiding the hospital because they have been told that they will “die alone.” This is primarily because hospitals and congregate care facilities have misunderstood Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders. Executive Order 2020-72 and Executive Order 2020-108 have been replaced by Executive Order 2020-136, […]

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The Use of Lady Bird Deeds to Convey Life Estate Interests in Land

One of the most common requests from clients to probate practitioners is when an individual, upon their passing, wishes to transfer ownership in real property outside of probate proceedings while preserving present control and use of the land.  The utilization of certain deeds as an estate-planning tool to accomplish that goal – affectionately known as “Lady Bird” deeds – is available only in a few states, including Michigan.  This type […]

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Michigan Governor Encouraging the Use of Electronic Signatures, Remote Notarization and Witnessing during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Governor Whitmer’s latest Executive Order in effect through May 6, 2020 allows any notarial act required under Michigan Law to be done using two-way video technology.  As a result, a financial institution, title insurer, or a register of deeds is prohibited from denying a copy of an electronic record if a notary certifies it under the terms of the Order. (The only exception will be if state law specifically requires […]

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CMDA Puzzle Booklets have Arrived

In these uncertain times, we would like to bring you a little diversion, entertainment, and fun to help alleviate stress. The elder law attorneys at CMDA just received a shipment of puzzle booklets and would like to send one your way. We hope working on a Sudoku, word search, or crossword puzzle can help ease your mind, if only for a few minutes each day. To receive a complementary puzzle […]

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