As is our custom, this semiannual correspondence is intended to keep you abreast of developments in estate and elder law. The following is a brief summary of noteworthy developments since our last communication
Although we’re still working on the finishing touches, we have fully moved our former Farmington Hills location to our new Farmington headquarters.
In this issue:
- Major Changes in VA Rules
- Is your Estate Plan or Will in Place?
- Living Right… and Wrong
- What Happens If I Move Out of Michigan?
P. Mark Accettura
P. Mark Accettura was quoted in the July/August 2018 issue of the AARP Bulletin in an article by Jane Bryant Quinn titled “Juggling Estate Decisions: With a stepfamily, try not to split heirs.” Ms. Quinn also referenced Mark’s book Blood and Money, causing a spike in book sales.
It has been widely reported that Aretha Franklin had no estate plan, not even a Will. While the majority of Americans fail to plan, Aretha’s case cried out for special care. Her eldest child is special needs, and she left substantial assets including a tail of music royalties that will continue for generations. Despite the repeated efforts of her attorney, Aretha refused to act.
Take the unfortunate case of Kathleen Dehmlow
Studies have shown that relationships with family and friends directly impact the length and quality of our life.
The loving relationships we nurture during life are a gift for your family that is our true legacy. Having a life plan and an up-to-date estate plan make life’s transitions easier and is a statement to your family that you care.
Aid and Attendance is an extremely valuable veterans benefit that is available to veterans and their spouses who are at least sixty-five years of age to assist them with the cost of in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. Aid and Attendance is perhaps most beneficial for veterans and their spouses in need of home care and assisted living since no other government program covers such care.
Technically, your Michigan estate plan is valid across the country. However, whether your move is temporary or permanent, you should do new powers of attorney since the rules affecting them can be different from state-to-state.
New powers are advisable even if you maintain your Michigan residency but spend half the year in another state since financial and medical institutions are more likely to honor documents which are familiar to them.
