All of us have family. Whether it is our spouse, children, extended family, or even our pets. What does estate planning have to do with your family? Everything! When we at the Elder Care Firm ask our clients what they…
All of us have family. Whether it is our spouse, children, extended family, or even our pets. What does estate planning have to do with your family? Everything! When we at the Elder Care Firm ask our clients what they…
As a parent or grandparent, there are many milestone talks to have with the younger generation. Talking about what a child will or will not inherit is as challenging as the birds and bees discussion. After you meet with a…
Choosing the Right Beneficiary Many people assume that just because they have hit retirement age, they can simply take it easy and let the due process of law determine for them which of their loved ones can benefit from their…
Today, the Department of Human Services made huge sweeping, unforeseen changes to Medicaid planning for Michigan married couples with their change in analysis of the Sole Benefit Trust and how it fits into the asset calculation. According to a communication…
Phillip Seymour Hoffman died at the young age of 46, with three children, all under the age of 11. With his estimated $35 million fortune in his estate, he made the bold decision to disinherit his children, leaving the bulk…
According to a disturbing article in the Daily Reporter, convicted felons are being paid to take care of our Michigan seniors, according to a staffer at the Area Agency on Aging. Melissa Franklin of the Area Agency on Aging states,…
Don’t leave your IRA outright to a kid. In the big news department, the Supreme Court held in Clark v. Rameker that inherited IRA’s are not asset protected. There were differing opinions on whether an inherited IRA would be protected…
Problems with the Five Wishes and Free Advanced Directives In my Michigan estate planning practice, I’ve had a ton of clients and financial planners bring up the Five Wishes as a way to handle end of life decisions. Everyone over…
Standalone Retirement Plan Trust A common question I hear is “who should be named for beneficiaries of an IRA or retirement account?” Should it be the spouse, the kids, the revocable living trust? Typically, I hear, even professionals, say that…
Brighton’s only Certified Elder Law Attorney As the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in Brighton, Michigan, I’m excited to be at the Livingston County Caregiver Fair on Saturday April 5th, 2014. The Livingston County Caregiver Fair will be held at…