Category Archives: Estate Planning

Gene Richards Featured on “The Lawyers” Radio Program

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Radio Show PhotoCurt Benson, an attorney in our Grand Rapids office, hosts a popular syndicated radio program, The Lawyers, which airs on Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM.  On the program, Mr. Benson interviews professors, judges, lawyers and lawmakers on legal issues in the news. He recently sat down with Gene Richards, a partner in our Livonia office, to discuss a variety of estate planning and elder law issues, legal updates, and cost-effective solutions.  Please click here to listen to the informative radio program.

Mr. Richards helps clients safely navigate life’s transitions through the skillful, practical, and compassionate application of comprehensive elder law and estate planning services.  He guides senior clients in planning for their future care needs, including maximizing financial resources to pay for the cost of long-term care. He takes the time to understand his clients’ needs and goals and designs practical, customized solutions for them.

Gene Richards may be reached at (734) 261-2400 or nrichards@cmda-law.com.

CAREGIVER EXPO – A Must For Caregivers!

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Caregivers – Don’t miss out!  Take advantage of the  “Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo” tomorrow (Saturday, October 14) from 9 to 2 at the Suburban Collection Showplace located in Novi, MI.  This is a once-a-year event, and only every other year in Oakland county.

I will be there alongside Jim Schuster, Elder Law Attorney, for the afternoon session called “Elder Law Mini-Course for Caregivers.” Drop by our booth. I’d love to see you and personally give you resource materials that will help you be a more informed and effective caregiver.

At no charge, you have access to many experts in seminars on topics such as: maximizing Medicare benefits, caregiver health, hospice, protecting assets, dealing with dementia, grief recovery, getting quality medical care, and elder law.  You’ll also have access to an exhibit hall stuffed with businesses providing support services to caregivers.  Thousands will attend this event.

Here’s the link for more information about the breakout sessions, times and directions: Caregiver Expo

 

I hope to see you tomorrow!

Virtual Currency Shouldn’t be Overlooked when Putting Together Estate Planning Documents

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Gene Richards_8x10@300Virtual currency may not show up in portfolios of many senior adults, but it shouldn’t be overlooked when putting together wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Not surprisingly, a national survey on consumer use of virtual currencies found that among those 65 or older, 75 percent said they were “very unlikely” to purchase Bitcoins. However, some seniors are trendy and tech savvy and might have a virtual currency “wallet.” Here’s a well written blog article on the importance of addressing bitcoin and other virtual currencies in the estate planning process. I’ll add that it is also critical to identify all assets and resources when trying to qualify for Medicaid and VA assistance to pay for long-term care.  Without adequate planning a legal representative, whether agent under power of attorney, personal representative (a/k/a executor) of a will, or trustee of a trust will have difficulty dealing with unique property, such as virtual currency, if the owner is incapacitated or has died.

The elder law and estate planning attorneys at Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. (CMDA) regularly assist clients in planning with unique assets, such as virtual currency.  Even if it is too late to plan, the CMDA attorneys can still help by petitioning for the appointment a conservator in the local probate courts.  Gene Richards may be reached at (734) 261-2400 or nrichards@cmda-law.com. 

Property and Health Care Decision-Making Agents for MS Client

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Video 4 ImageWe want to share a series of videos (5 total) that demonstrate how Elder Law attorneys can help those with MS.  The forth video focuses on Property and Health Care Decision-Making Agents.  When an individual is diagnosed with MS, preparing for medical and financial decision-making by other people is a necessity. The video outlines what legal documents must be in place to ensure wishes regarding financial management and healthcare will be honored.

These videos were produced through the collaborative efforts of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Stetson University College of Law.  The videos will be posted on successive days.  Or you can go directly here to watch them all at once.

The elder law team at CMDA is experienced in helping vulnerable clients of every age.  We are available to assist younger individuals dealing with a disability or debilitating illness such as MS.  We help our clients maintain quality of life and preserving independence for as long as possible. We hope you find value from these videos.  We also welcome your feedback.  Contact Gene at CMDA’s Livonia office by calling (734) 261-2400 or by email at nrichards@cmda-law.com.

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