Elder Law Issues: Gene Richards at CMDA

Elder Law Issues: Gene Richards at CMDA A resource for senior adults concerned about quality of life and the cost of long-term care. Older adults face threats to their health and financial security.

Tailored financial and medical powers of attorney (and sometimes trusts) are essential to protect against those threats. My mission is to give senior clients the legal tools they need to safely navigate the challenges of aging through skillful and compassionate delivery of elder law services.

“Elder Law” attorneys use a variety of legal tools and strategies to address the special concerns of “s

enior adults." These concerns often include dealing with incapacity from chronic illness or dementia, finding quality long-term care (whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home), and qualifying for government benefits that can help pay for long-term care (such as Medicaid and VA benefits).

Taking the first step toward estate or elder law planning can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can make the p...
06/18/2026

Taking the first step toward estate or elder law planning can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can make the process much smoother.

Consider gathering key information ahead of time, including a list of assets, existing legal documents, beneficiary designations, and any questions or concerns you may have. It is also helpful to think about your goals—what you want to protect and who you want to provide for.

This preparation allows for a more productive conversation and helps ensure your plan is tailored to your needs.

The more clarity you bring in, the more clarity you walk away with.

Ready to get started? Reach out to me to schedule your consultation and take the first step with confidence.

Creating a will is an important first step—but keeping it updated is just as critical.Life changes such as marriage, div...
06/16/2026

Creating a will is an important first step—but keeping it updated is just as critical.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, new children, financial shifts or changes in health can all impact whether your current plan still reflects your wishes. An outdated will can create confusion or unintended outcomes for your family.

Regular reviews ensure your plan evolves with your life and continues to protect what matters most.

If it has been a few years since you last reviewed your will, now is the time.
Send me a DM to schedule a review and make sure your plan is still working for you.

A complete estate plan is more than just a will—it is a coordinated set of documents designed to support you during your...
06/12/2026

A complete estate plan is more than just a will—it is a coordinated set of documents designed to support you during your lifetime and guide your wishes after.

This often includes a will, trust (if applicable), financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance directives. Each document plays a specific role in ensuring your decisions are honored and your family is supported.

When these pieces work together, they create a comprehensive plan that addresses both expected and unexpected situations - during life and after death.
Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all—it should be tailored to your personal circumstances.
If you are unsure whether your current plan is complete, contact me to review your documents and ensure everything is aligned.

Blended families bring unique dynamics that require thoughtful and intentional planning.Without a clear estate plan, ass...
06/11/2026

Blended families bring unique dynamics that require thoughtful and intentional planning.
Without a clear estate plan, assets may not be distributed in the way you intended. This can lead to unintended outcomes, such as a spouse being unprotected or children from a previous relationship being unintentionally excluded.

A well-structured estate plan allows you to balance these priorities, ensuring that both your spouse and your children are cared for according to your wishes.

Clarity today can prevent conflict tomorrow.

If you have a blended family and want to ensure everyone is protected, click the link in my bio to connect with me.

The cost of long-term care can be overwhelming for families, especially when a thoughtful plan has not been put in place...
06/09/2026

The cost of long-term care can be overwhelming for families, especially when a thoughtful plan has not been put in place ahead of time.

Without proper planning in advance, nursing home expenses can quickly impact savings, assets, and the financial security you intended to leave behind. However, proactive planning can help protect what you have built while ensuring access to the care you need.
Elder law planning provides options, structure, and peace of mind during an otherwise uncertain time.

You do not have to navigate this alone.

Reach out to me today to schedule a consultation and explore your options for long-term care planning.

From banking and investments to social media and email, much of our lives now exists online. However, many estate plans ...
06/05/2026

From banking and investments to social media and email, much of our lives now exists online. However, many estate plans overlook digital assets entirely.
Without clear instructions, your loved ones may struggle to access important accounts or even lose valuable information permanently. Privacy laws and login protections can make this process more difficult than expected.

Including digital assets in your estate plan allows you to outline access, designate responsibility, and ensure nothing important is left behind or inaccessible.
A complete plan accounts for every part of your life—including what exists online.
Have questions about including digital assets in your plan? Send me a DM for guidance.

If you have minor children, estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their future.With...
06/04/2026

If you have minor children, estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their future.

Without a plan, the court may decide who manages the assets you leave behind—and how those assets are used. This may not reflect your wishes or your child’s best interests.
Through proper planning, you can name a trusted guardian, establish a trust, and create clear instructions for how and when your child receives financial support. This ensures stability, structure, and long-term protection.

Your plan should do more than transfer assets—it should provide guidance and oversight.
If you have young children and want to make sure they are fully protected, reach out to me to start the conversation.

Probate can be a long, costly, and often stressful process for families already navigating loss. Without proper planning...
06/03/2026

Probate can be a long, costly, and often stressful process for families already navigating loss. Without proper planning, your loved ones may face delays, legal fees, and unnecessary complications just to access what you intended for them.
The good news is that with thoughtful estate planning, many of these challenges can be minimized—or avoided altogether. Tools like trusts and properly structured accounts allow for a smoother, more private transition of assets.

Planning ahead is not just about protecting your assets. It is about protecting your family from avoidable hardship.

Click the link in our bio to connect with me and start building a plan that keeps things simple for your loved ones.

Beneficiary designations operate independently of what is written in a will or trust. This means that even a well-prepar...
05/08/2026

Beneficiary designations operate independently of what is written in a will or trust. This means that even a well-prepared estate plan can be disrupted if these details are outdated or incorrect.

Accounts such as life insurance policies, retirement plans, annuities and certain financial accounts often pass directly to the named beneficiary. If those designations are not aligned with your current wishes, the outcome may not reflect your intentions.

Regularly reviewing and updating beneficiary designations is a simple but crucial step in ensuring your estate plan works as intended.

An optimal plan is one where every detail works together seamlessly.

If you are unsure whether your designations align with your estate plan, contact Gene to review everything together and ensure nothing is overlooked.

Supporting an aging parent often comes with important legal and financial decisions. It can feel overwhelming without cl...
05/07/2026

Supporting an aging parent often comes with important legal and financial decisions. It can feel overwhelming without clear guidance.

Key considerations include ensuring they have current, relevant estate planning documents, establishing powers of attorney, and discussing healthcare preferences. Having these conversations early can prevent confusion and stress later.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Working with an experienced elder law attorney can help you understand your options and create a plan that protects your parent’s wishes and well-being.

Send me a DM to start the conversation and get the guidance your family needs.

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Livonia, MI
48152

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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+17342612400

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