By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors receives phone calls each week from loved ones and caregivers asking what he or she can do when there are concerns about a loved one’s driving. In this post, I will discuss issues that arise when a caregiver becomes aware of potential problems for an older driver, and the resources that are available … Continue reading Caregiver’s Guide to Driving Issues
By: Jadranko Tomic-Bobas, J.D., Hotline Attorney; Emilee Evans, Legal Intern On February 14, 2018, Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation ending driver responsibility fees and eliminating $637 million in debt owed by 350,000 drivers. According to Crain’s Detroit, the fees being forgiven include driving fees, “that stem from a state-level tax on municipal traffic violations”. Not only will fees for previous offenses be forgiven, but the … Continue reading Waiver of the Michigan Driver Responsibility Fees
Via Consumer Federal Trade Commission By Colleen Tressler If you’ve been following the news, you’ve probably seen that the iconic Toys”R”Us is winding down its business operations in the U.S., and closing its stores across the country, including stores in Puerto Rico. At this time, according to Toys”R”Us, you have only until April 15, 2018 to use your Toys”R”Us gifts cards. Advice from Toys”R”Us customer … Continue reading Got Toys”R”Us gift cards?
Via Lansing State Journal By Beth LeBlanc March 7, 2018 Seven Lansing-area public employee retirement plans have come under scrutiny from the state for their unfunded liabilities. The Michigan Department of Treasury contacted pension plan administrators last week to inform them that reports they submitted to the state in January had triggered a preliminary review of the policies’ “underfunded status.” Read the full article. Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): State hones in on ‘underfunded’ pension and health care plans, including 7 in mid-Michigan
By Dawn Kepler, Project Administrator Older adults (age 65 and up) comprise 20% of all drivers licensed in Michigan, and this number is projected to increase. Older drivers are more likely than other age groups to engage in the following crash related driving behaviors: failure to yield, disregard of traffic control, improper lane use, improper turn, and improper backing. In addition, the risk of injury or death is higher for … Continue reading Airbag Safety for Aging Drivers
By Jadranko Tomic- Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney; Julia Miller and Emilee Evans, Elder Law of Michigan Interns. Guardianship is a process that allows for one person, a “guardian,” to make decisions for and ensure the care of a person and their limited assets when that person is unable to do so themselves (MCL 700.5314). While this is most commonly thought of as the relationship … Continue reading A Guide to Guardianship: Probate vs. Mental Health Code
Via Michigan Radio By Stateside Staff Retirement accounts, specifically 401(k) plans, were never intended to be a substitute for a pension. But, the reality is, most people, if they have a retirement account at all, it’s a 401(k). Last year, the Wall Street Journal ran a piece in which the creators of the 401(k) worry about what they started. The 401(k) was designed to supplement income from Social Security and a pension. Frank Stafford, a professor … Continue reading 401(k) plans never meant to be a complete retirement plan. Where does that leave future retirees?
By David Jones, Volunteer Hotline Attorney F. Search for a Facility 1. Introduction In this article, I discuss a search by a person other than a prospective resident. The person is generally called a “designated representative” (DR). This is a person who is a legal guardian or has been granted the authority by the prospective resident. That person is generally a relative, but it can be any … Continue reading Part 2 of 2: PLACEMENT AND CONTINUED CARE FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS IN LICENSED RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES (Other than Nursing Homes)
Via Timesunion By Larry Rulison SCHENECTADY – General Electric Co.’s $31 billion pension problem could make its breakup harder than expected. Bloomberg and other news outlets have been reporting that GE has a $31 billion pension shortfall that is becoming a concern for new CEO John Flannery as he decides how to maximize GE for shareholders, which could lead to the spin-off of some units … Continue reading GE’s pension problem could make breakup difficult
Via PennRecord By Carrie Salls PHILADELPHIA – In December, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed rulings in a Pennsylvania lawsuit that alleges a Lehigh County company did not meet its pension requirements. Former employee Derrick Askew sued R.L. Reppert Inc. over its alleged failure “to properly contribute to its employees’ pension plan and its alleged subsequent failure to produce requested pension … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Third Circuit upholds nearly $16,000 penalty against R.L. Reppert over pension plan documents
