Question: My mom recently entered a nursing home. We are trying to qualify her for Medicaid on our own. Should Mom and Dad deed the house to me? Answer: NO! Don’t do it! We regularly help families qualify for Medicaid without having to spend or give away all of their assets. There is a lot… Read More »
Posts Categorized: ASK THE LAWYER
“What questions do I need to ask when hiring a Divorce Lawyer?”
One of the toughest decisions you have to make when contemplating a divorce is which lawyer you should hire. You are trusting a stranger with some of the most important decisions you will ever make. Selecting the right divorce lawyer means finding a lawyer who is competent and that you trust. Here are some questions… Read More »
I keep hearing about something called a “Lady Bird Deed”. What is it, and should I have one?
A Lady Bird Deed is a special type of deed used as part of your estate plan. Consider this example: You own your home. When you sign a Lady Bird Deed, you totally control your home during your lifetime – you can sell it, lease it, mortgage it, etc. However, if you don’t sell your… Read More »
I want to modify parenting time, how hard is that?
Modifying parenting time can be very difficult. There are specific statutes and case law regarding the criteria for modifying parenting time. There are two steps to modifying parenting time. First, you must show that there is a change in circumstances since the entry of the last Court Order. Then you must show that the change… Read More »
I am 28 years old and my husband and I just had a baby. Do we need a Will or other estate plan?
Great question. Most people don’t think they need an estate plan until they are much older. But it is important to have an estate plan at any age. This is especially true now that you have a baby. To begin, you will need to answer these questions: If something happens to both you and your… Read More »
What is included in Child Support?
Question: I pay about $3,000 in child support each month and my oldest just started college. I pay $1,000 per month to the school toward tuition and room and board. Can I deduct this payment from the child support and pay only $2000? Answer: In Michigan the answer is no in most cases. Because the… Read More »
“I have an old power of attorney. Is it still good?”
Question: An attorney prepared my “durable power of attorney” eight years ago. Is it still good, or should I have it updated? Answer: Great question. First, let me tell you that I believe your general durable power of attorney is the most important part of your estate plan. I want you to assume you are… Read More »
I was divorced a year ago and I recently found out about an asset that my ex-husband failed to disclose. What can I do?
As is usual with regard to most divorce questions, the answer is “it depends.” First, look at the Judgment of Divorce and see if there is a section that addresses the issue of non-disclosed assets. If there is, the Judge will look at this provision and use it as a guide to resolve the problem…. Read More »
Should I hire an attorney, even if I may be guilty?
Question: My son was arrested for drunk driving. I think he should hire an attorney, but he told me he just wants to go to court and take responsibility for his actions. Am I sending him the wrong message by encouraging him to hire an attorney? Answer: No. You are not sending your son the… Read More »
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!
At the law firm of Matecun, Thomas & Olson, we understand how fortunate we are to be able to share our New Year with the clients and community who are a big part of our success. Before the calendar turns to 2016, before the social networking sites get flooded with messages, before the mobile networks… Read More »