The law can seem like a daunting and complex tangle. The attorneys of Cunningham Dalman are here to help. If you require legal representation or would like to seek advice from a law expert, we hope you’ll talk with someone at our firm. We also encourage you to learn more about legal issues that matter to you. On this page you will find valuable information about many different aspects of the law. We encourage you to spend some time browsing this collection of posts written by Cunningham Dalman attorneys.
Attorney Ron VanderVeen spoke at the June 2019 joint educational meeting of Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys and the Michigan Public Law Group about initial responses to construction failures and resulting litigation. Mr. VanderVeen has significant experience in representing clients relating to construction contracts and construction related litigation. Special thanks to Vince Duckworth for doing a wonderful… continue reading
The Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) that processes applications for those who need assistance paying for assisted living or nursing home care has changed the treatment of promissory notes. Formerly, Medicaid-compliant promissory notes were non-countable assets that did not really impact eligibility for benefits. But now, promissory notes are always going to be:… continue reading
A Medicaid policy change that could impact many families is proposed to take effect on July 1, 2019. Here is the scenario. Mom and dad have three children. One child has fallen on hard times and needs financial assistance to get back on his feet. Mom and dad are on a fixed income and have… continue reading
Understanding the estate planning process may help you or a loved one take the first step to get this important planning in place. It’s as easy as: Contact Us. Call or email us to setup a time for us to get together to discuss your personal/family situation and your estate planning goals. Tell Us About… continue reading
Years ago brokers, life insurance, and annuity sales people used to aggressively push Medicaid annuities claiming this product would protect your assets if you went to a nursing home. In almost all cases, this wasn’t true and the State of Michigan took action to shut down this sales practice. What is a Medicaid Annuity? A… continue reading
All sellers focus on the amount they are selling their business for and how they are going to get paid. That makes perfect sense. However, it is rare they spend time planning for how the sale proceeds will be taxed. This could result in a tax savings of approximately 15% and a sizeable amount of… continue reading
Every estate plan should include a document naming someone else to handle medical decisions when you are no longer able to. The terminology most commonly associated with this document includes: a medical directive, advanced directive, living will, patient advocate, and health care power of attorney. No matter the name, this document contains important language about… continue reading
One of the primary reasons people create a trust is to avoid probate. A revocable living trust is the most typical trust used to ensure that your wishes are carried out. But sometimes this well-intended plan falls short if the trust is never funded. I always tell clients that their estate plan is not done… continue reading
This is often a difficult decision. Some people struggle because they’d like to name all of their children, but understand that may only complicate the process. Others have a child or person in mind who is very capable, but he or she lives far away from them. Other people don’t have any children or friends… continue reading
