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 […]

We are pleased to announce that the latest CMDA Law Blog has arrived. In this issue: News for Caregivers. Norman Richards shares five things to look for during visits with aging loved ones. Q & A. John Gwyn answers a question on whether or not the Board of a Condominium Association or HOA should retain legal counsel to review construction agreements before starting a common element project. Case Highlights. Joseph […]

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 […]

Joseph M. Ramirez, an attorney in our Kansas City office, successfully defended a corporate client housing complex against a breach of warranty of habitability claim. Notwithstanding an overly aggressive and unreasonable demand by the tenant, Mr. Ramirez leverage his knowledge of landlord-tenant law against the facts in the case to obtain a highly favorable settlement on behalf of our client in an amount less than 10% of the total exposure. […]

Norman “Gene” Richards, a partner in our Livonia office, recently obtained substantial mitigation of a penalty assessed against a client by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Plaintiff was issued a penalty of over $280,000 for an alleged wood packaging material violation. CBP states that all wood packaging material imported into the United States must have been treated at the place of origin and […]

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 […]

We are pleased to announce that the latest CMDA Law Blog has arrived. In this issue: News for Caregivers. Norman Richards shares five steps caregivers should take to eliminate frustrating, and often costly, legal challenges. Q & A. John Gwyn answers a question on whether or not the Board of a Condominium Association or HOA can post a list of delinquent members on the Association’s website to shame them into […]

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 […]

Joseph M. Ramirez, an attorney in our Kansas City office, successfully negotiated coverage for a client that was involved in a car accident in California. A third-party claim for damages in excess of $75,000 was made against Mr. Ramirez’s client. Coverage questions arose leading to a dispute between insurer and insured, which could have resulted in his client being personally at risk. Mr. Ramirez used his experience and expertise with […]

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 […]