Elder Law of Michigan

Elder planning is a body of law intended to protect the interests of the aging population and their loved ones. Combining estates, financial and medical planning you can devise a comprehensive solution to protect investments and security for yourself or a loved one. At Willis Law, our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids elder law attorneys are sensitive to the difficult decisions families must make and provide informed, sound advocacy to protect clients and their families.

Our law firm is dedicated to a Christian model of service with a mission to protect clients as they make the best decisions for their family and future. Let us guide you with dignity and discretion.

Call (888) 461-7744 or contact us by email for a consultation with a Grand Rapids elder law lawyer.

Planning with Advance Directives in Michigan

Most people do not feel comfortable with the thought of being placed under the care of a guardian or conservator. This scenario restricts your ability to communicate your wishes and often requires a costly and lengthy court proceeding. Our elder law attorneys in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo help you avoid this outcome by guiding you in the preparation of advance directives regarding health care or your finances.

General Durable Power of Attorney in Michigan

The general durable power of attorney is used to plan for your financial, property, banking and legal affairs. In Michigan, this document allows your representative to sign your name on financial and legal documents. Our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids elder lawyers will take the time to answer your questions or concerns and help you understand your rights and obligations.

Medical Power of Attorney in Michigan

A medical power of attorney is also known as a health care proxy or a patient advocate designation. You can use a medical power of attorney for health care to appoint another person — your patient advocate — to make decisions for you about medical treatment and other personal care issues. This document is best used in combination with a living will.

Michigan Living Wills

A living will is a document used to inform doctors, family members and others of what type of medical care you wish to receive in the event that you cannot speak for yourself. A doctor must determine that you are:

• Terminally ill or permanently unconscious
• Unable to make decisions or communicate about your care

In your living will, you can be very specific about the treatment you would or would not want in a range of medical scenarios. If you have appointed a patient advocate by using a medical power of attorney for health care, that person will be able to use your living will as a guide in enforcing your wishes.

Medicaid Planning and Nursing Home Planning for Elderly in Michigan

Our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids elder law attorneys bring exceptional skill and experience to provide clients with guidance in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits and plan for potential nursing home care. We employ trusts for Medicaid planning, as well as ensure clients understand what the Medicaid rule consider exempt assets. By working closely with clients well in advance of, or at the time of any Medicaid or nursing home need, we can ensure they retain as much of their assets for themselves and their heirs as possible.

"I value Michael's advice. His attention to detail and understanding of the law has been critical. He has always made himself available to us when we needed him and is accommodating to tight schedules. He also has access to an expansive number of resources to get the job done right. Michael is a valuable asset to any organization." 
- Scott L. 2/3/10 
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For a free consultation, please call our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids elder lawyers toll free at (888) 461-7744 or contact us by email to submit a question about your case.