Michigan Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate & Asset Protection

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2012 taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance.  Premiums for “qualified” long-term care insurance policies (see explanation below) are tax deductible to the extent that they, along with other unreimbursed medical expenses (including Medicare premiums), exceed 7.5 percent of

It’s a relatively new occurrence with the crash of our financial system and the foreclosure epidemic. Have you seen it yet? Here’s the scenario:
–  Mrs. Tenant signs a lease with Mr. Landlord
–  Mr. Landlord fails to make his mortgage payments
–   The lender forecloses on Mr. Landlord (sometimes with the Mrs. Tenant’s knowledge,

The Michigan Court of Appeals issued a decision on April 21, 2011 that will have a major impact on past and present foreclosures in Michigan.  The Court held that foreclosures by advertisement started by the Michigan Electronic Registration System (MERS) are against the law.  This important decision leaves in question the title to potentially thousands

Clients often ask me:  “Should I deed my home to my kids now [before I die] to avoid probate?”   This question generally arises when they are told by their realtor/barber/uncle/friend/etc. (you get the point) that this is the best way to do their estate planning.  The short answer is NO, NO, NO!    Well, now the IRS

The Social Security Administration has announced that no cost-of-living adjustments will be made to Social Security benefits in 2011 because the consumer price index has not risen since 2008 when the last Social Security increase occurred.
Like recipients of Social Security and other federal benefits, Veterans, their families and survivors will also not see a cost-of-living

Recently, the founder of Elder Law Answers, Harry Margolis, answered some questions relating to talking with aging parents or other family members about sensitive issues such as wills, funeral arrangements, assisted living and medical treatment wishes. The questions and answers are good ones, so I am passing them along:
At what point is it appropriate