CMDA Attorney Norman E. Richards has started a daily vlog where he posts short videos to keep clients and friends informed of ways to handle elder law and estate planning matters during Michigan’s shelter-in-place.  We invite you to visit the Michigan Elder Law Blog daily for updates. He continues to work during this time and is available to answer any questions you may have. Mr. Richards helps clients safely navigate […]

President Trump signed into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) effective January 1, 2020. The Act brings major changes to IRAs and 401(k)s, including the ability to delay distributions, reduced flexibility for inherited IRAs, and penalty-free withdrawals for new parents. This article focuses on the impact the SECURE Act may have on your estate plan. As part of the estate planning process, clients focus […]

In observation of Veterans Day, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association hosted a Wills for Vets event at the Traverse City Area District Library. Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for estate planning were prepared for Veterans at no charge.  Matt Cross, an attorney in our Traverse City office, provided his legal services pro bono for the afternoon. He was pleased to provide an opportunity to give thanks to those who […]

CMDA invites you to attend a free educational workshop on Why Families Feud in Probate Court and How to Prevent the Mayhem on Wednesday, October 30th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center. Attorney Gene Richards draws on his years of experience to highlight the common causes of family fights in probate court and practical ways to keep the peace in your family. He will explain how probate works, […]

Don’t miss it!  Senior Day at the Detroit Zoo will take place on Wednesday, September 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tri-county seniors 62 and older and an adult companion receive FREE admission and parking to the Detroit Zoo. Senior Day features live entertainment, tram tours, bingo, zookeeper talks and a senior resource area.  Look for the CMDA booth at the senior resource area and stop by for a free gift. […]

Retirement is a highly-anticipated reward for years of hard work and child rearing. The “golden years” are viewed as a special season to pursue hobbies and enjoy life. Interestingly, while many people seek advice from a financial advisor to make sure they have enough money to retire, often they do not obtain a professionally prepared estate plan. Instead of working with an attorney, they will do one of the following: […]

On January 16, 2019 Gene Richards, a partner in our Livonia office, gave a presentation on Stepping into Retirement- A Practical Action Plan to over 30 members of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) Detroit Chapter. The interactive workshop gave an overview of decisions and actions people should take before, during and after you retire to protect and cultivate your retirement accounts. If your business or social group is interested […]

‘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, […]