Michigan Lawyer Blog

Unfortunately, the sting of our economy in Detroit, with the struggles of the automotive industry, has reached beyond individual consumers and into seniors’ pocketbooks. With the increase in unemployment, foreclosures and other difficult times, the Michigan State Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Attorney General have noticed a correlation in elder abuse. Not physical…

Today I appeared on the “Ask Your Neighbor” radio show with Bob Allison. The topic that we discussed was the use of estate planning documents for disability and long term care planning. You can listen to the segment on the 690 am website. Among the highlights that we discussed were the use of power of…

Often times, I will work with families that are crisis planning. What does this mean? I define crisis planning as planning by a family that is in the process of assisting a loved one with an illness, injury, or disease. In Michigan, especially in Metro-Detroit, it is difficult to get the right information to assist…

The State of Michigan sponsored VA advocate and mediation will be defunct as of May 15, 2009. Gov. Granholm disbanded these service centers as part of the budget reduction. This means that if you have a question about VA services, benefits, etc. you must go through the Federal system of the VA to get an…

If you live in Michigan and have questions about estate planning, VA benefits and/or Medicaid planning, tune in to AM 690 WNZK and listen to the “Ask Your Neighbor” radio show hosted by Bob Allison. I appear as a special guest every Friday morning from 9:00 am until 9:30 am to cover estate planning, probate,…

I am excited to announce that I will be appearing on the “Ask Your Neighbor” radio show, every Friday morning, to discuss legal and elder law topics. Bob Allison, the host of the show, has been a local Detroit radio icon for over forty (40) years. Ask Your Neighbor, can be heard Monday through Friday…

If you are interested in learning more about the topics that I have discussed on this site and live in the Howell area, I will be presenting a seminar at the Oakhaven Manor Senior facility in Howell, Michigan on Friday April 3, 2008. All are welcome to attend. For more information please feel free to…

Michigan’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is the administrative branch responsible for administering and managing the state’s Medicaid program. This branch of government is responsible for setting the Medicaid eligibility criteria each year. Recently, the DHS released its financial eligibility criteria. The new community spouse resource allowance is a minimum of $21,912.00 and a maximum…

Frequently, veterans that are residents of Macomb County who need assistance will consider applying for Medicaid benefits in addiiton to VA benefits. If you or your family fall into this category, it is important to understand the interaction between the different care systems as well as the differences in application of federal and state regulations.…

Often times I meet with veterans that are already receiving service related benefits in the form of disability benefits. It is important to understand that often times if you are already receiving disability benefits it is not likely you will be eligible to receive improved pension benefits, notably, aid and attendance benefits. Here is an…