The latest issue of Urban Aging News features the article “Leaving Real Property to a Loved One Without a Will or Trust,” written by Norman (Gene) Richards. In this insightful article, Mr. Richards’ 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. While the ladybird deed may be ideal in some instances, it can […]

The latest issue of Urban Aging News features an article on Medicaid Estate Recovery written by Norman “Gene” Richards. In this insightful article, Mr. Richards’ explains Medicaid Estate Recovery, which requires Michigan to attempt to recover Medicaid benefits paid for long-term care from a recipient’s estate after they die. This is a requirement under federal Medicaid law. This payback requirement may come as a surprise to families who do not […]

Norman “Gene” Richards, a partner in our Livonia office, and Rita Turner, a paralegal in our Livonia office, are participating in the Senior Health Day event today at the City of Westland’s Friendship Center. They are enjoying meeting members of the community and sharing information on the estate planning and elder law services CMDA provides. Gene and his team assist clients with the development of customized estate plans to address […]

An important issue currently facing many Michiganians who inherit real estate is how they will be able to preserve their wealth moving forward. In many situations where families do not plan appropriately, there are no due process protections in place for heirs of property owners, and they remain vulnerable to court-ordered partitions. This can occur when an interested party, outside of a family relationship, has a fractional interest in the […]

The latest issue of Urban Aging News highlights an article on Estate Planning Made Simple written by Norman “Gene” Richards. In this insightful article, Mr. Richards’ offers practical steps that may make getting your personal affairs, including important legal documents, in order a little more manageable and a little less scary. Urban Aging News is a quarterly publication that provides information, insight, and inspiration for Metro Detroit’s maturing adults. Check […]

We are pleased to announce that Norman (Gene) Richards, a partner in CMDA’s Livonia office, has been named to DBusiness Magazine’s 2024 List of Top Lawyers in the Trusts & Estates category. DBusiness’ Top Lawyers List is based on an exclusive peer-review survey open to all area lawyers. Thousands of votes were cast honoring excellence in 53 practice areas. Mr. Richards focuses his practice on estate planning and elder law. […]

Most parents know — in theory, at least — that when a child turns 18 the child is considered an adult with all the attendant legal rights of adulthood. This abrupt transfer of power and the full significance may not be apparent until something happens that drives that reality home. The following statement is difficult for many parents to digest: Just because you are the parent, providing emotional and financial […]

It’s considered the simplest and least expensive way to transfer real estate when a person dies – with an equally lovely name – the “ladybird,” or “Lady Bird” deed. But is that really the case? As with most concepts, what appears simple on the surface may be more complicated in application. Here is an overview of the ladybird deed, along with the benefits and challenges that come with that method […]

The latest issue of Urban Aging News highlights an article on How Important is it for you to Have a Will? written by Norman “Gene” Richards. In this insightful article, Mr. Richards shares the reasons why someone may- or may not- need a will and outlines what happens to a person’s assets when they have a will in place vs not having a will in place. Urban Aging News is […]

How Important is a Will, Really? The simple answer to that question is . . . wait for it . . . “It depends.” Most people own assets of some kind when they die. The assets might include real estate (home, land, timeshare, etc.), financial accounts (bank, investment, and retirement accounts), life insurance, savings bonds, autos, boats, toys, and personal effects or “stuff” (clothes, furniture, jewelry, tools, etc.). The assets […]