‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations and family gatherings.  These 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.  Here are five signs to look for: 1. Partners covering for each other. Take note if one partner […]

It is fairly common for an aging parent to add a child’s name (sometimes more than one child) as a joint owner on the parent’s bank accounts.  The arrangement is usually viewed as a simple and inexpensive solution to the concerns, such as someone needing 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 […]

The CMDA Elder Law and Estate Planning team had a great time at the recent Metro Detroit Association of Health Underwriters (MDAHU) Medicare Summit and Expo.  Nearly 200 agents from throughout Michigan attended the seminar, which covered all aspects of the Medicare program. Gene Richards, a partner who focuses his practice on elder law and estate planning, was joined at the seminar by Rita Turner, a paralegal, and Dorene Mitchell, […]

Most parents know — in theory, at least — that their children are no longer children when they turn 18. They are considered legal adults with legal responsibilities. This is an abrupt transfer of power and the full significance may not be apparent until something happens that drives that reality home. The start of the school year is right around the corner, which means many recent high school graduates will […]

Curt Benson, an attorney in our Grand Rapids office, hosts a popular syndicated radio program, The Lawyers, which airs on Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM.  On the program, Mr. Benson interviews professors, judges, lawyers and lawmakers on legal issues in the news. He recently sat down with Gene Richards, a partner in our Livonia office, to discuss a variety of estate planning and elder law issues, legal updates, and […]

It’s a travesty when the court process designed to protect seniors is manipulated by unscrupulous professionals for personal profit. Without immediate, aggressive advocacy a person can be stripped of all legal rights in less than 30 minutes at a court hearing. Admittedly, it is appropriate for a judge to appoint a conservator or guardian if an individual cannot make decisions or needs to be protected, but it should only happen […]

Everybody knows of the problems of aging adults, however few give it the serious attention it needs.  The failure to address these issues appropriately can result in serious financial distress and/or a loss of independence.  I have outlined five common mistakes made by aging adults and tips on how to avoid making them. First Mistake: Doing nothing If you do nothing to deal with aging you have a good chance […]

On Thursday, April 20th Norman E. Richards (Gene), a partner in our Livonia office, will join other elder law experts to present a panel discussion on Understanding Long Term Care Needs.  The seminar will be held at Waltonwood Cherry Hill in Canton and is open to the public.  For more information, please click here. Norman E. Richards (Gene) focuses his practice on estate planning and elder law.  He assists clients […]

Advocacy is an important need of older adults as they strive to preserve their independence and protect their interests.  For example, strong advocacy is needed to: protect life savings, deal with incapacity, find quality long-term care (whether at home, in assisted living or a nursing home), and qualify for government benefits to pay for long-term care (such as Medicaid and VA benefits). Elder Law attorneys use specialized legal tools and […]