The Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm

10/12/2026

Avoid costly estate planning mistakes — protect your legacy and your loved ones. Read our latest blog: Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. Practical tips from a certified elder law attorney to help you plan with confidence. Read more: https://wix.to/Hw0zH31

Estate planning can often seem overwhelming. Fortunately, as a certified elder law attorney, I can help with all of your estate planning

10/05/2026

When grief is already heavy, family disputes over money or possessions can make healing impossible. Our new blog post shares practical steps and compassionate advice for avoiding conflicts among children after a loved one’s death — from clear estate planning to communication strategies that preserve relationships. Read more: https://wix.to/gGuntIr

The bible explains that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (see 1 Timothy 6:10). Unfortunately, this love of money can impact families at the worst time - following the death of a loved one. When families are supposed to be supporting and comforting each other, they sometimes pull apar...

10/01/2026

Make things easier for your loved ones during difficult times. Our latest post outlines the essential documents everyone should organize — wills, powers of attorney, medical directives, and more. Read the full guide: https://wix.to/zSteKNq

Leaving your family to sort through all of your papers after your death or following an emergency is often very time consuming

09/15/2026

Feeling overwhelmed as a family caregiver? You're not alone. Our latest blog shares essential survival tips every caregiver should know—from managing stress to balancing work and care. Read practical advice and find support so you can care for your loved one without burning out. Read more: https://wix.to/LdKPOCQ

The elderly are increasingly looking to their families to provide care for their needs. Unfortunately, as the growth of the elderly population outpaces the younger generation, there are fewer caregivers available to take care of elderly loved ones. This causes significant stress on caregivers as the...

09/10/2026

The Uniform Power of Attorney Act is now effective in Michigan (July 1, 2024). Learn what this model statute means for powers of attorney, agent authority, and protecting your loved ones. Read our quick breakdown and what to watch for. https://wix.to/uXH4iaA

The Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) became effective in Michigan on July 1, 2024. Developed by the Uniform Law Commission, the UPOAA is a model statute that has been adopted in at least 30 other states and the District of Columbia. Regarding the UPOAA, there are some important things to know:

08/13/2026

Our latest blog post explains Michigan’s increase to the Medicaid countable asset limit (from $2,000 to $9,950 for 2026), and what it means for nursing home eligibility. Read more: https://wix.to/3Go4D5e

For longer than I have been practicing law - over 30 years now - the countable asset limit for a single individual seeking Medicaid nursing home benefits or MI Choice Waiver benefits was $2000.00. Last year, to the surprise of many (including me), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services...

08/04/2026

Will a trust shield your assets from nursing home costs? Learn the facts from an experienced elder law attorney. In this concise blog, Brett A. Howell separates myth from reality and explains when a trust can — and cannot — help protect your estate. Read more: https://wix.to/hI48yjv

Protecting assets from nursing home expenses is an issue that I am frequently asked about. Sometimes it may arise after a heart attack, stroke or other concern. Other times it may arise after a loved one moves into an assisted living facility or nursing home due to Alzheimer's disease. Whatever the....

07/20/2026

MDHHS has released the updated Medicaid figures for 2026 — important changes that reflect cost-of-living increases and can affect funeral allowances and what a community spouse may retain. Read the quick summary and what it means for Michigan families: https://wix.to/uxdyCFh

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) ordinarily releases updated figures for Medicaid qualification. These updates are released in late summer and most importantly, they reflect the cost of living increases that we all experience. For Medicaid recipients, the increases allow....

07/07/2026

New on the blog: "Home Alone" — a thoughtful look at how unexpected situations can spotlight eldercare and planning. Read the short piece by Brett A. Howell and consider what steps you can take to protect aging loved ones. https://wix.to/cvnIbCf

In the 1990 comedy movie Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin plays the role of a young boy mistakenly left behind while his family flies to Paris

07/01/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 What a beautiful milestone of freedom and opportunity. Have a safe and joyful Independence Day!🎉