Michigan Medicaid Planning Attorneys

Representing Clients in Livingston County and Washtenaw County

Many people view an estate plan as a tool for establishing how assets will be distributed to future generations. However, an effective estate plan can do much more. It should address future potential needs as the individual ages and document their decisions on end of life care. Most importantly, an effective estate plan should provide asset protection so that an estate is not dwindled down to nothing when costly health care needs arise, such as the need for nursing home care.

At the Nawrocki Center for Elder and Family Law, in Livingston County, Michigan, our lawyers and professional staff help individuals and families plan for potential future health care and nursing home needs. Contact our Medicaid planning attorneys for assistance in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, or other cities in Livingston County or Washtenaw County, Michigan.

Effective Medicaid Planning Services

While many clients come to the Nawrocki Center when they have an immediate need for Medicaid, we can offer the most asset protection to individuals who come to us much sooner, such as when they are considering estate planning. We work to prevent an entire lifetime of wealth being spent on nursing home costs and other health care expenses by enabling our client to qualify for Medicaid.

We take a proactive approach to Medicaid planning, maximizing the ability to shield assets and provide protection to family members. Some techniques which our attorneys use in effective Medicaid planning include:

• Trusts: We work with clients to establish trusts that are appropriate for their unique situation. In some cases, a special needs trust can provide resources for expenses not covered by Medicaid. In other circumstances, we establish sole benefit trusts or irrevocable trusts to transfer funds.
• Gifting: Our Medicaid planning lawyers help clients maximize their ability to transfer assets through gifting. This enables a parent, for example, to make financial gifts to children or other individuals which they would have done through a will or trust at death. However, through gifting during their lifetime, the assets are protected from being used in nursing home expenses or from jeopardizing Medicaid eligibility. However, it is important to understand that under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, it is not as simple to make gifts and still qualify for Medicaid. Out Medicaid planning lawyers can advise you of the most effective options.
• Power of attorney: Our elder law attorneys assist Washtenaw and Livingston County clients in establishing power of attorney documentation in their estate planning. However, as part of our Medicaid planning practice, we grant additional powers for gifting to the assigned agent. This enables the individual to maximize gifting opportunities and minimize countable assets (for Medicaid eligibility).

Because of the complexity of Medicaid laws, it is important to consult with an experienced Medicaid planning lawyer. Nancy C. Nawrocki has more then 20 years of experience providing peace of mind to those who fear nursing home costs will wipe out their entire savings. She understands both federal and Michigan Medicaid rules such as those dealing with asset transfers, transfer penalties, "look back periods", and other laws governing Medicaid eligibility. Learn more about Medicaid planning by reviewing our article on Medicaid myths.

Contact Us for Help in Livingston or Washtenaw County

For experienced Medicaid planning assistance in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, or other communities in Livingston County or Washtenaw County, Michigan, contact our Medicaid planning lawyers at the Nawrocki Center.

From our office in Brighton, Michigan, we serve clients in Livingston County and Washtenaw County, including the cities of Ann Arbor, Brighton, Howell and Ypsilanti, Michigan. We also provide Medicaid planning services to clients in Oakland County and Genesee County.