Written by Christine Steinmetz, JD Many of us have heard of a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, but do we really understand what it can do for us? First, you may ask, what exactly is a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances?  A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal form that allows a…

Douglas Chalgian, Certified Elder Law Attorney © 2017 I struck up a conversation with a woman sitting next to me on a bench in a courtroom in Mio Michigan this week. I asked her if she had any photographs of the stories she was telling me. “Yes” she said “in my mind.” Ah. The best…

Doug Chalgian, Certified Elder Law Attorney © 2015 Clients often believe estate planning is about planning for what happens to their assets when they die.  And while that’s true, it is less true today than in the past.  As a result of changes in society and changes in the laws, estate planning today is (or…

Doug Chalgian, Certified Elder Law Attorney © 2014 Clients who meet with me about elderly family members who are being, or have been, financially exploited are often surprised when shortly into telling me their story, I can take over and fill in the details.  It happens a lot these days.  The clients say: “I guess…

Doug Chalgian, Certified Elder Law Attorney © 2013 As an elder law and estate planning attorney, helping clients understand options and make informed decisions is rewarding.  But the decisions they have to make are often difficult, regardless of any advice I can provide.  To illustrate the difficult balances that clients have to strike, I offer…