Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Elder Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Michigan Elder Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: My 85 year old brother was tricked into signing a "quit claim" deed over to his step-daughter. Any recourse?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 30, 2017

Potentially. There might be some undue influence going on, or even vulnerable adult abuse. Undue influence is a civil remedy that could possibly result in a court ordering that the deed be turned back over to your brother. Vulnerable adult abuse is a crime, which will require investigation by Adult... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: My mother is 85 years old she takes her money and squanders it does not pay her bills what can I do to take over

She also is in the progress of being evicted from her home she has no gas or electricity cuz she did not pay the bills this is a very time thing

Neil Colman
Neil Colman
answered on Aug 2, 2017

You could petition the Probate Court for guardianship and your appointment as your mother's conservator. Consult a probate attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: My mothers Will says you can't leave out any document she created. how can that be verified?

My brother changed lawyers from who my mom saw when she signed a trust. He refuses to let my mothers original lawyer talk to my lawyer. I know there is something being left out but I am being told it can't be enforced because it is not going thru probate? What can I do? I keep telling my... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jul 4, 2017

This is a VERY fact specific question, that can only be answered by referring to all the documents: trusts, deeds and anything else that may apply! You cannot get an answer here, but only from an attorney who actually reviews all the documents.

One of the biggest advantages of trusts is...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Elder Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: After dad died the ex shows up with a will leaving her everything. He made it clear he destroyed it, but here it is

He left notes all over. How she stole everything he had. That she had him sign things when he was under sedation in the hospital. That she took advantage of his illness. When she filed for PR my brother protested because she didn't name his kids, when she did she never named me. She went... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jun 16, 2017

Was the will done before or after their divorce? WERE they actually divorced?

Too many unknowns to provide much real guidance here, but you SHOULD seek a local attorney to review the paperwork and discuss the situation with you. Bring both the divorce judgement and the purported will and...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Hi This question is pertaining to my wife's parents and Medicaid

Hi,

We learned recently that my father-in-law who has dementia was advised by his attorney to place his assets, particularly his vacation home into a irrevocable trust a few years back. He stated to all of his children and grandchildren that this had been done and they wouldn't ever... View More

Don L Rosenberg
Don L Rosenberg
answered on Jun 4, 2017

Unfortunately a home or cottage in a living trust becomes a countable asset. I am not clear on whether you have already applied for Medicaid and have been denied or asking what can be done. If you applied it sounds like an appeal would be without merit and a waste of time. The proper course is to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Abuse for Michigan on
Q: My mom is in a memory care unit at a nursing home. She fell out of bed on May 4 and I was informed by phone. On May 10

She was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with a separated shoulder 6 days after the fall. Do I have a case?

Don L Rosenberg
Don L Rosenberg
answered on May 11, 2017

Depends, was the memory care facility negligent. You clearly need to consult a lawyer to determine if you have a case. Clearly it was wrong not to inform you of the fall. The question is where they negligent which caused or contributed to the fall and/or was did the delay cause more damage to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: What exactly is "residue" stated in a will?

Mom's will leaves her 2 mobile homes and property to myself and my two sisters.

However the clause "residue" states the remainder goes to her six grandchildren.

Was told by two lawyers that residue just includes vehicles, cash, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, etc. ,... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 4, 2017

Without seeing the documents it is impossible to know for sure, however, I think I understand your situation.

The "residue" is what is left after all expenses and specific bequests are distributed. If you have been given a 'specific' bequest (which it sounds like you...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for mother to put house in trust without father's knowledge?

Mother lives in house in Michigan father lives with me in Michigan. They are still married and do not see each other at all.

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Mar 25, 2017

Assuming your father's name is NOT on the house, then -- until April -- your mother CAN do whatever she wants with her property. Interestingly, until April, your father cannot do anything similar because your mother, as his wife, has more rights than he does. Thanks to recent Supreme Court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Elder Law, Insurance Defense and Probate for Michigan on
Q: I discovered after my dad died my aunt has fraudulently spent money from his estate. Can I take her to court and where?

Also she changed me from beneficiary 10 days before his death and put her. He had dementia and died from neglect. Now we will have to go to court for this small amount. Do I need a lawyer or should I be confident enough on my own to save me money. I'm a struggling mother and don't have much money.

Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
Mr Scott Marshall Neuman
answered on Jun 23, 2016

Successful litigation most often requires a competent litigator. Civil procedure is quite complicated. It would be in your best interest to consult a competent attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a man who has given his daughter his power of attorney and she has him in a assisted living institution get out ?

She won't let anyone but herself take him out.

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jan 15, 2016

Not clear what you're asking. A local elder law lawyer can review and advise.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation....
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: What should I DO?

I have a case against me to remove me as Guardian of my Dad. They informed me for the first time ,the day before Thanksgiving, that my Dad is 2 months behind in his payment there and I had until the end of the month to pay. I informed them that I was not made aware of the situation and can I make... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jan 15, 2016

Sounds potentially serious. Talk to a local elder law lawyer about the details.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.