Grandparents and Scams

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist  What do grandparents and the holidays have in common? The spirit of giving. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this trait and financially ruin lives. Stories to trick a person into giving money vary widely, from a supposed grandchild being in jail to scammers posing as the Internal Revenue Services or Social Security Administration.   A new report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), research indicates that in 2018, people age 70 and over, sent … Continue reading Grandparents and Scams

Recap: Call to Justice Awards 2018 Honors Elizabeth Zeldes

By Ron Tatro, Vice President  On August 29, 2018, Elder Law of Michigan honored Elizabeth Zeldes, a Kent County Certified Public Accountant, for her efforts in working to support seniors through financial planning and services.  The Joe D. Sutton Call To Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus on older adults and person with disabilities.  Ron Tatro, … Continue reading Recap: Call to Justice Awards 2018 Honors Elizabeth Zeldes

Recap: Call to Justice Awards 2018 Honors Karla Fales

By Ron Tatro, Vice President  On August 29, 2018, Elder Law of Michigan honored Karla Fales, CEO of CareWell Services Southwest, Area Agency on Aging, for her contributions in working to support and protect seniors in Calhoun and Barry County. The Joe D. Sutton Call To Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus … Continue reading Recap: Call to Justice Awards 2018 Honors Karla Fales

Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Ron Tatro

By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator Ron Tatro wears many hats at Elder Law of Michigan. He joined the team over 10 years ago. He is the Vice President of Elder Law of Michigan and Director of the Michigan Elder Justice Coordinating Council (MIEJCC). During his time at Elder Law of Michigan, his favorite project has been working on Elder Abuse Prevention activities and his proudest moment at Elder Law of Michigan  … Continue reading Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Ron Tatro

Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Keith Morris

By Jay Tomic Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney, and Ashley Jayne, Legal Hotline Intern    Keith Morris is the President and CEO of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. He started as a volunteer with the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors in 2000 and has been with the organization ever since. Keith works on many projects within the organization and leads the Elder Law of Michigan team with passion … Continue reading Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Keith Morris

last will and testament

Changes in Omitting Beneficiaries from a Will

By Jadranko Tomic Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney, and Kathryn Petersen, Legal Hotline Intern    Effective August 8, 2018, Michigan Legislature amended a portion of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) to clarify a child’s right to the exempt property allowance.    The exempt property allowance is an additional benefit of a decedent’s estate that is available to the surviving spouse or to the decedent’s children and can include any household items, … Continue reading Changes in Omitting Beneficiaries from a Will

Grandparents’ Day: Sunday, September 9, 2018

By Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Coordinator  Did you know September 9th is National Grandparents’ Day? Everyone should learn about this special day so we can honor and celebrate our grandparents.    President Jimmy Carter signed the bill for Grandparents’ Day in 1978. It was first introduced by Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia who became the founder of National Grandparents’ Day. Marian made it her goal to educate youth about significant contributions that seniors have … Continue reading Grandparents’ Day: Sunday, September 9, 2018

Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Christine Steinmetz

By Sandra Wisnewski, J.D., Director of Client Assistance  Christine Steinmetz is a part-time hotline attorney at Elder Law of Michigan. Christine has been with Elder Law of Michigan since 2011. Before working for Elder Law of Michigan, Christine used to be a plumbing assistant. People are surprised when she uses the trade’s terminology. Although she loved being a plumbing assistant, she is currently not interested in taking on any plumbing jobs … Continue reading Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Christine Steinmetz

Seniors and Pets: Part 1

By Jadranko Tomic Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney, and Angela Quinn, Legal Hotline Intern   Many people have a family pet that they cherished growing up. While many families own a pet for various reasons, such as teaching a child responsibility, pets can also serve a valuable role in the life of a senior. Pets provide social interaction and physical activity for older adult owners. Pets reduce depression and … Continue reading Seniors and Pets: Part 1

Government Imposter Scams

Via Federal Trade Commission By Carol Kando-Pineda You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe thousands in back taxes. Some might threaten legal action, deportation, or arrest if you don’t pay up or … Continue reading Government Imposter Scams