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Michigan Elder Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: Had a question about becoming executor of someone's estate in MI. My mother recently passed and had no will.

I'm her only child and she's not married. The only thing she has left is some clothes and a few nick nacks. I intend to donate most of it to good will. How do I go about being named executor? Since she had nothing why would I want to be named executor? She was married for a long time to a... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Aug 21, 2023

You say she didn't have anything but then add she has a 10,000 (plus judgment interest?) debt owed to her. Therefore she DOES have something to probate: her interest in that judgment.

The question becomes is it worth it to begin probate for the POSSIBILITY of recovering 10k? The...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: Had a question about becoming executor of someone's estate in MI. My mother recently passed and had no will.

I'm her only child and she's not married. The only thing she has left is some clothes and a few nick nacks. I intend to donate most of it to good will. How do I go about being named executor? Since she had nothing why would I want to be named executor? She was married for a long time to a... View More

Joseph  Dallo
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Joseph Dallo
answered on Sep 1, 2023

I'm sorry for your loss. When a person dies intestate (without a will) in Michigan, the process to administer the estate can be more involved. Here's a general overview regarding becoming the personal representative (often referred to as the "executor" in other states) of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: can you create a Power of attorney revocation letter but hold onto it just in case its needed for a later date?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

Absolutely, in Michigan and many other jurisdictions, you can certainly create a Power of Attorney (POA) revocation letter in advance and retain it for potential future use. This proactive approach allows you to be prepared should you ever need to revoke a previously granted power of attorney. Your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan on
Q: My parents died leaving a trust. How do I go about getting the trust dissolved?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

Depending on the circumstances, there might be specific grounds for dissolution outlined in the trust document, or it may require the agreement of all beneficiaries. If all beneficiaries are in agreement, the process can be more straightforward. However, if the trust document does not provide for... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan on
Q: My parents died leaving a trust. How do I go about getting the trust dissolved?
Joseph  Dallo
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Joseph Dallo
answered on Sep 1, 2023

Dissolving a trust after the death of the grantors involves several steps:

Review the Trust: Begin by reading the trust document. It will provide instructions on distribution and conditions for dissolving the trust.

Gather Assets: Inventory and appraise trust assets.

Pay...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: What can I do my father past away this year Jan 10th he was a former veteran he had no will no power of attorney

I'm his daughter his benifituary the nursing home is sueing me for the bill and trying to take his house that he left me I am on the deed what do I do the nursing home already file a summons

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 17, 2023

You need to be in touch with an elder law attorney asap. First, that person will need to help you figure out if you are being sued individually or in the capacity of the estate representative. If they are trying to take the house, I imagine you are involved in your capacity as the estate... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Family Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: A secret trust was set up by my mother’scaretaker (CT) who has all of the POA and power. I am disinherited.

Mom has dementia, but she is coherent; very forgetful too. She currently lives in rehab center. Mom now wants me to inherit. However, she cannot advocate for that. I am banned ( but I snuck in twice). CT has mom’s ID. Anything I can do short of suing for guardianship?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 5, 2023

No. You would need to petition the probate court for guardian and conservatorship. If this caretaking has proper documentation in the form of a POA, you face a significant uphill battle.

You say you are banned from seeing your mother; By whom? And why? Depending on your answers, you're...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Family Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: A secret trust was set up by my mother’scaretaker (CT) who has all of the POA and power. I am disinherited.

Mom has dementia, but she is coherent; very forgetful too. She currently lives in rehab center. Mom now wants me to inherit. However, she cannot advocate for that. I am banned ( but I snuck in twice). CT has mom’s ID. Anything I can do short of suing for guardianship?

Joseph  Dallo
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Joseph Dallo
answered on Sep 1, 2023

In situations where there's a suspicion of undue influence or wrongdoing, especially involving caregivers and fiduciaries, several legal avenues might be available. Here's an outline of potential options in Michigan (as the jurisdictional context provided in prior questions was Michigan):... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: I live with a old man taking care of him & his sons now decided they want to start taking care of him instead & they cal

Called the cops I opened my br door 4 the police when they asked. But they arrest

ed me for a warrant I had. Well when I went to jail the owner of the house sons went in my room without permission when police arrested me. Isn't that illegal in Michigan

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 1, 2023

Not necessarily. A lot will depend on the condition of the man you lived with and whether you can establish tenancy. It sounds like the man has some mental or age-related conditions going on, causing some concerns from his sons about his vulnerability. Regardless of your intentions, you do not want... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: My grandmother recently moved out of her home and into an assisted living facility. Should she sell her house?

My grandmother is in agreement about selling her house but the family wants to make sure that this will not result in any negative outcomes. She is paying out of pocket for the assisted living as it is not otherwise covered. She has SSI and Medicare only. She is not eligible for Medicaid, nor are... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 27, 2023

This situation is complex enough to warrant a consult with an elder law attorney AND a financial planner to help you all run through various scenarios and outcomes. In fact, there is so many products and strategies out there that you may just want to get at least two solid opinions because there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: Real estate: Living Mother & Deceased Father on title. Both on medicare. Dad died in long term nursing home care.

My mother wants to pass the house on to me when she passes, but she also has the potential to be in long term care in the couple years. Will medicare take our house if she goes into long term care (or do they even currently have a lien due to my deceased father being in a nursing home)? How can we... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Dec 5, 2022

There are ways to keep the house from being 'recovered' by Medicare (in Michigan) currently, but you need to insure it is done right or your mother may not be ELIGIBLE for Medicare.

Seek the advice and drafting assistance of a local probate / elder law attorney to be sure you do...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Estate Planning for Michigan on
Q: My mother is going to be in long term care. We live in a manufactured home together. It is in her name. There is approx.

$7000 owed. Worth 60000. Can I buy it for what is owed and sell it at a later date without medicaid claiming it?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 29, 2022

You may want to talk with an estate planning / elder law attorney. There are ways of achieving what you're seeking, but buying it for what is owed is not one of them.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Who would I speak to in re: to not being able to cash a check that is in me & my dads name and Im POA?

My dad is currently in the hospital, unfortunately looking at hospice, sold his home, I'm POA in Fact and neither bank that he previously had accounts with wont allow me to cash/deposit them and both our names are on the check. I'm also being prevented from opening an account and cashing... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Oct 16, 2022

You have a written PoA that the banks won’t honor?

Without SEEING the documents it is impossible to provide useful advice. Who drafted the PoA? That would be the best attorney to approach but ANY estate planning attorney in your area can help — IF you provide them a copy of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Health Care Law for Michigan on
Q: Mr. GEERS, None of the possible reasons you suggested apply or fit my mom's situation.

Dr. Kavanagh immediately suggested "pulling the plug" and after two visits to Borges we got her to Bronson where A bowel blockage was surgically removed, my Mom was sent home after only 24 hours and is recovering.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 2, 2022

Thank you. It sounds like you may have a civil or administrative issue to address with Borges or that particular doctor; you should start there to address your concerns about that sign. The other answers provided were all within the whelm of possibilities depending on the totality of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Health Care Law for Michigan on
Q: Why would ascension Borgess Kalamazoo put a sign outside my mom's room 357 saying DO NOT INCLUDE ME IN REPORT???

After taking a snapshot of this sign six plainclothes security one uniformed approached ordered me into the hall asked why I'm taking, I replied because this is my Mom and I love her. They took my id and would not return it until I agreed to leave, I had done nothing but take this picture. If... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 1, 2022

A number of reasons, all of which depend on facts you are not disclosing in your question. Could be as simple as they are acting on instructions from the proper patient advocate - perhaps your mom's spouse or one of your siblings. Maybe there is an adult protective services investigation or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a sibling sign herself up for POA over a parent who has dementia without informing her other siblings?
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 12, 2022

No -- and there are several issues rattling around in your question that SCREAMS your family need to get real advice from a local estate planning attorney.

If someone lacks 'testamentary capacity' because of dementia or any other illness, they cannot create estate planning...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Can person be deemed incompetent by a lawyer or does it have to be done by a Circuit Judge
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 19, 2023

Some of us wish we lawyers had such superpowers, but the reality is that only a judge has that power. The affected person has due process rights and so is entitled to a hearing.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: If a defendant ignores contempt of court declaration, what happens?

Defendant is 94 years old.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 7, 2022

Way too much going on here that we don't know to form an opinion. If there is contempt, you can bring it to the court's attention, usually through a motion.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: I am 91 years old. If I am home alone and get hurt will my POA get into trouble legally
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 23, 2022

No. Not unless your POA did something or failed to do something.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Nursing Home Abuse and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: HOW TO FILE A NEGLIGENCE COMPLAINT AGAINST A DR., SPARROW, AND ANURSING HOME/ SOCIAL WORKER?

THIS HAS TO DO WITH MY SISTER WHO HAS A MENTAL CONDITION FOR YRS .LAST YR SHE FELL AND WAS TAKEN TO CARSON HOSPITAL FOR THAT . THAT IS WHERE THE NIGHTMARE BEGAN. SHE HAD BEE TAKING CLOIRIL FOR YRS AND I RECOGNIZED IT WAS AFFECTING HER SPEECH AND HER ARMS BECAME JERKY AND BECAUSE OF BEING AROUND... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 29, 2022

You have two potential issues: 1) medical malpractice, and 2) nursing home abuse / neglect. The latter is one you can more readily start by contacting the facility, omsbudman, or the state's complaint website. The former would require gathering medical documentation and finding a medical... View More

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