It is common for an aging parent to add an adult child’s name (sometimes more than one adult child) as a joint owner on the parent’s bank account. The arrangement is usually viewed as a simple and inexpensive solution to the following concerns: someone needs to be able to pay bills when the parent is ill or hospitalized; funerals are expensive, and money will be needed immediately; the account will […]

Family gatherings offer the opportunity to surreptitiously keep an eye out for noticeable changes in behavior and living conditions of aging loved ones. It is important to be alert to changes because these may reveal health needs and care challenges that require intervention. Attorney Norman E. “Gene” Richards shares five things to look out for during visits with aging loved ones. 1. Partners covering for each other. Take note if […]

The latest issue of Urban Aging News highlights an article on Advice for Caregivers: Five Steps to Leap Legal Hurdles written by Norman “Gene” Richards. In this article, Mr. Richards shares five steps caregivers should take to eliminate frustrating, and often costly, legal challenges. Urban Aging News is a quarterly publication that provides information, insight, and inspiration for Metro Detroit’s maturing adults. Check out the Urban Aging News Fall 2022 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. […]

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, […]