Many deserving veterans are often overlooked when considering VA benefits to assist with the cost of long term care. Specifically, Merchant Marines, serving during World War II may qualify for VA Aid and Attendance. During Worl War II, Merchant Marines took up arms to assist in the Pacific and Atlantic to support Allied forces and…
Continue reading ›Imagine you are driving home. It is late at night. You had a few beers watching the game at the local bar. You were careful not to exceed “your limit.” You feel fine when you pay your tab and leave the bar. You don’t recall fumbling for your keys in the dark. You just want…
Continue reading ›Family debt as a percentage of disposable income has increased from 70 percent in 1980 to over 110 percent by 2011. With the rising amount of debt in American families, the need to plan for the division of these debts has become a major focus in divorce settlements. Unsecured Debt Liabilities:-File documentation and financial affidavits…
Continue reading ›Michigan veterans and seniors need to express their concerns over proposed new VA regulations affecting their ability to plan for benefits. Our office supports changes to regulations in order to protect seniors and veterans in Michigan, but, changes need to be consistent with Congressional intent, the Constitution itself, and, at the very least, consistent with…
Continue reading ›Your help is needed to protect Michigan veterans and seniors. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has introduced new regulations that will negatively affect your ability to receive benefits for yourself and your loved ones. New proposed regulations, introduced January 23, 2015, will create a three (3) year “look-back” period for applicants, similar to Medicaid.…
Continue reading ›Canada is a strong economic partner not only to the United States, but more specifically with those states that border Canada, including Michigan. Many Michigan residents frequently travel to and from Canada to work for either short, or longer periods of time. The attorneys at SMDA regularly counsel clients who must travel to Canada as…
Continue reading ›Over the past few days, several attorneys that I collaborate with are scrambling to get the “word” out to our lawmakers about the VA’s proposed changes to regulations affecting eligibility for improved pension and aid and attendance benefits. In the last entry we encouraged readers to contact their representatives in the United States Congress to…
Continue reading ›As most Michigan Veterans are aware, Agent Orange was not the only herbicide used in Vietnam. There was also Agent Purple, Agent Green, and Agent Pink, which were part of the “rainbow herbicides” used to defoliate the jungle of Vietnam Nam. Purple and Orange were also used in Canada. Agent Purple was used before Agent…
Continue reading ›On Friday our office received notice that the VA has submitted significant changes to non-service connect benefit eligibility that will directly impact Michigan Veterans and Veterans nationwide. Click here for a link to these changes. Michigan Elder Lawyers, National Academy of Elder Law members and several Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) oppose the proposed regulations. Specifically,…
Continue reading ›In many cases, a DUI/OWI offense will be your first real contact with the criminal legal system. Consequently, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this article we’re going to take a look at the basic legal process you will be going through if arrested for a DUI/OWI offense in Michigan. The journey begins at the…
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