Living into your eighties is no longer uncommon. With the doubling of life expectancy since the Industrial Revolution, we have achieved what has been described as the “greatest miracle in the history of our species.” Today the average life expectancy is nearly 80 years. According to data compiled by the Social Security Administration, a 65 year old male today can expect to live nearly two more decades, while a 65 year old woman can expect to live until age 87 (and those ar

Benjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes. Yet in spite of everyone having an expiration date, many people live as if they have endless tomorrows. When the inevitable happens, it commonly causes serious consequences particularly when a spouse who handled all of the finances dies first. This can leave a grieving spouse (or children) overwhelmed with trying to figure out what assets are owned and what needs to be done. No one should ever

​ Leaving your family to sort through all of your papers after your death or following an emergency is often very time consuming and extremely frustrating. There is also a good chance that they will not locate an insurance policy, bank account or other assets that you had not used in years. This can result in the unclaimed assets winding up as possessions of the State of Michigan rather than your family. In fact, Michigan has recently reduced its dormancy period for unclaimed

Estate planning can often seem overwhelming. Fortunately, as a certified elder law attorney, I can help with all of your estate planning needs. My clients have found this guide to be a valuable resource, and I trust you also will find it useful. 1. Procrastination. Most everyone is aware that it is important to have an estate plan. Far too often however, they procrastinate doing nothing about it. While no one likes to think about their own mortality or the possibility of inca

In his hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont, Ronald Read was known as a quiet and unassuming man. He was often seen around town gathering firewood in his tattered jacket. One resident, worried that his baseball hat wouldn’t keep him warm enough, knitted a hat for him. Once, a stranger, assuming he was poor by his appearance, paid for his breakfast at a local diner. When he visited his attorney’s office, he parked his 2007 Toyota Yaris far away so he wouldn’t have to pay for parki