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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

CMDA is proud to announce that several attorneys from our Firm have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list. The following attorneys have been selected to the 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers list: Jim Acho, Top Rated Civil Litigation Defense Jeff Clark, Top Rated State, Local & Municipal Tim Ferrand, Top Rated State, Local & Municipal Haider Kazim, Top Rated State, Local & Municipal […]

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. […]

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. […]