Over the last few decades, we have seen a significant change in how pets are perceived, even in the law. Years ago, pets were seen as property without much value or protection under the law, however, much of society has found the true value in having…
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The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is a tax-free benefit available to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with their activities of daily living or are housebound due to a disability. The benefit is in addition to the basic Veterans Pen…
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A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It is important to choose someone who you trust and who you believe will make decisions that are in your best int…
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I get calls almost weekly from people inquiring about the necessity of a will. It is often when a loved one is in the hospital or transitioning to hospice and the family is in a panic to make sure a will is in place. During these phone calls I do my…
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Inheritance Tax in 2021 Inheritance tax is a constant concern I hear from clients. There is so much misinformation regarding what is taxed and what is not. This blog is designed to help clarify some myths regarding gift taxation during lifetime and a…
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Understanding the Importance of Special Needs Planning Planning is paramount for a family with a member who has special needs. This cannot be stressed enough. In addition to the day-to-day planning (education, socialization, encouraging independence,…
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2020 has been a year of nearly immeasurable change on a global scale. The Covid-19 pandemic has completely altered many peoples’ day-to-day lives. While most of us are settling into this (hopefully) temporary way of living, others have not been so…
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I was recently asked to give a virtual presentation on the probate process and how that has been affected by the pandemic. I realized this would probably also make for an interesting blog topic. The probate court, like all courts, are governed by wri…
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A power of attorney allows a person, known as the principal, to give authority to an agent to handle some or all of their financial affairs. This could include managing the principal’s assets while they are temporarily unavailable, making all of th…
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Designating someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated is an important part of the estate planning process. This is often known as a “medical power of attorney.” Michigan law calls it a “designation of pat…
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