Tag Archives: Cummings McClorey Davis & Acho

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.

The Elderly are at Risk – Even in the Courts

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Gene Richards_8x10@300It’s a travesty when the court process designed to protect seniors is manipulated by unscrupulous professionals for personal profit. Without immediate, aggressive advocacy a person can be stripped of all legal rights in less than 30 minutes at a court hearing. Admittedly, it is appropriate for a judge to appoint a conservator or guardian if an individual cannot make decisions or needs to be protected, but it should only happen when absolutely necessary. Please click on the link below to read an article regarding an extreme case of systemic abuse of the probate process.

The Elderly are at Risk – Even in the Courts

Be an effective advocate for your spouse or parent by:

  • Evaluating other options before petitioning to appoint a guardian or conservator
  • Hiring a lawyer immediately
  • Speaking to the court appointed investigator
  • Attending all hearings
  • Working out differences with family members – before going to court
  • Encouraging your parent(s) to designate in advance who they want as guardian or conservator (In Michigan, this can be done in a durable power of attorney.)

The elder law and probate attorneys at Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. are available to counsel on the pros and cons of pursuing (or defending against) appointment of a guardian or conservator in the Michigan probate courts.  We also go to court on behalf our clients and advocate aggressively for the right results.  Contact our office for a consultation about your situation at (734) 261-2400 or nrichards@cmda-law.com.

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. 

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