Dangers of DIY Estate Planning Emails
Over the past decade, there has been a rise in demand for Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs). ALSPs are companies that provide legal services apart from the conventional paradigm of legal services and systems. They ultimately use legal technology in order to provide more efficient services in a faster span of time and with a drastically cheaper fee. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Senior Exploitation & Abuse
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Spending Time with Loved Ones During the COVID Holiday Season
A year filled with many challenges, the end of 2020 draws near. We are, however, still far from being out of the woods. It would be a massive understatement to say that the last nine months of adapting to the "new normal" have been exhausting. Read More ›
Categories: Did you Know?
Nation's Veterans Continue to Serve During COVID-19
Today, in light of the current pandemic, our veterans continue to serve our country in ways that go above and beyond the normal call of duty. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Long-Term Care, VA Aid & Attendance
Thirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
Adopted in 2008, the third week in October is designated as National Estate Planning Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of estate planning. An often overlooked aspect of financial wellness, according to the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, it is estimated that 56% of Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan in place.
Estate planning—it is an incredibly important tool and it is not just for the uber wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish any number of goals, including appointing guardians for minor children, choosing healthcare agents to make decisions for you should you become ill, minimizing taxes so you can pass more wealth onto your family members, and stating how and to whom you would like to pass your estate on to when you pass away. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning
Taking Steps to Protect the Most Vulnerable During COVID
After seven-plus months and with little end in sight to the pandemic, adults responsible for their elderly parents and other senior caretakers continue to do their best to protect the most-vulnerable as the threat and uncertainty looms. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care
Residential Care Facilities Must Comply with Recent MDHHS Emergency Order
On October 6, 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ("MDHHS") issued an emergency order (the "MDHHS Order") that retains many of the same requirements that apply to residential care facilities under the previously issued executive orders. As noted in a prior blog post, the Michigan Supreme Court recently held that Governor Whitmer did not have authority after April 30, 2020 to issue or renew any executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the same requirements will continue to apply to residential care facilities under the MDHHS Order. The MDHHS Order became effective immediately, and will remain in effect through October 30, 2020 (and may be renewed through a subsequent order). Read More ›
Categories: Alerts and Updates, Compliance, Health Care Reform, Legislative Updates, Long-Term Care, News
Resource to Keep Senior Caretakers Organized
It is no secret that 2020 has been a whirlwind. Over the past six-plus months, the pandemic has been especially difficult for seniors as many continue to shelter in place, away from friends and family. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Long-Term Care
Preparing a Will During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to realize the need to create a plan for if the worst should happen. One of the most important components for ensuring a smooth process after death is executing a will. A will provides the will-maker (referred to as the “testator”) with directions to a personal representative for the administration and distribution of the testator’s estate after the testator dies. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning
Beware of Debt Relief Scams During the Pandemic
The current pandemic has caused massive shutdowns across the country. Businesses have closed and unemployment rates have soared. Without a stable source of income, some soon find themselves in debt. Any sign of relief such as a phone call or email saying that their debts can be reduced or forgiven altogether is a welcome one. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Senior Exploitation & Abuse
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy. Start Preparing Now.
Estate planning is considered by many to apply only to the wealthy and who have numerous assets. But preparing for the future is a common-sense habit for people of all income levels, and can save your loved ones in time and money in the long run. The current pandemic crisis has many people huddled down and looking at issues that had previously not occurred to them. Read More ›
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning
Survivor's Checklist
Due to the shock of the death of a spouse or a loved one, the steps of what needs to be done first can be an overwhelming process for the survivor(s). To aid in the breakdown and to act as a tool amidst the emotional days ahead, estate planning Jonathan "Jay" David has assembled a "Survivor's Checklist" of some of the important things that need to be addressed when a spouse or loved one dies.
Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
Below is a comprehensive guide of resources for older adults living alone, empowering them to thrive independently and access essential services. This guide was created and provided with permission by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024) (ncoa.org)
COVID-19 Checklist & Elder Organizer Tool
For adult children responsible for their elderly parents and other senior caretakers concerned about protecting loved ones as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, below is a free downloadable checklist of steps to follow to prepare for any possible COVID-19-related illnesses among the most-vulnerable.
Foster Swift has created a free ‘Elder Organizer’ digital notebook to provide seniors and their caretakers with a toolkit that helps organize doctors’ appointments, medications, and more that can be shared online. The tools below are also available on the Elder Law Resources page.
*For those trying to access these links by smartphone, it is best practice to copy/open the link in a separate tab and download the free Google Sheets app from Google Play or the Apple Store.
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E-book Covers Estate Planning Essentials
Engaging in estate planning, while essential, is often emotional and generates many questions. How do I protect my spouse and my children if something happens to me? What happens if I become disabled before I pass on? Who will take care of my pet after I'm gone? How do I pass my business on to my children? These questions and more are addressed in Jonathan David’s recently updated e-book, “Estate Planning: You Have to Start in Order to Finish.”
Need Help Planning?
For more tools, visit our Elder Law Resource page for additional content. Click here to view/download the Foster Swift estate planning brochure to see what our experienced team of attorneys can do for you.