The Elder Care Firm September 2017

The Elder Care Firm September 2017

Plan. Protect. Preserve.

OFFICES: Brighton | Bloomfield Hills | Livonia | Novi

THE BRIGHTON WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S A Cause Close to My Heart

When I talk with clients about the safety and security that comes with thorough elder care planning, many of them want to give back to their community. Once they know their loved ones are taken care of, they want to contribute to the greater good. It’s very rewarding to hear these desires from clients because I share the same philanthropic impulse. One motto I try to live by is “leave the world a little better than you found it,” and I’ve found that one of the most meaningful ways to do this is supporting worthy causes. For the past five years, our firm has played a role in Michigan’s installments of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Our first three years, we participated in the Detroit Walk. From then on, we have been a featured sponsor of the Brighton edition. This year’s walk is on September 30, and we’d love for you to provide support in whatever way you feel comfortable. I’m on the organizing committee, and last year, we were the No. 1 donating team. It

means a lot that our entire staff is as invested in this cause as I am, and I’m so thankful for their support, as well as the support from so many of our clients. Alzheimer’s research is a cause close to my heart for many reasons. As an undergraduate, I studied psychology, and I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works. Memory is part of what makes us human, and understanding it better will help us fight Alzheimer’s. Of course, as an elder care attorney, it’s a condition I’ve seen affect many families. I’ve also went through some family experience with Alzheimer’s. Nearly everyone will know somebody who suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, so it affects all of our lives. However, if I can help generate more research on these conditions, I am more than willing to do. Alzheimer’s research is not the only cause I care a great deal about. I also work with the Area Agency on Aging. They do incredible work providing

support and education on all aspects of the aging process and are a resource I recommend to many clients. LACASA, who provide help to child and adult victims of abuse, is another organization I do whatever I can to help. Before I sign off this month, I just want to send out one last reminder about this year’s Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I know we’ve put this information in the newsletter before, but it’s worth repeating. If you want to contribute to our donation page, walk alongside us, or volunteer your time, give us a call at 888-390-4360, or visit www.alzeldercare.com. We’re grateful for whatever contribution you can make and want to thank everyone who donates in whatever way they can. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s make 2017 the best year yet for the Brighton edition of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. – Christopher J. Berry

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Celebrate a Muppet of a Man THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

summer, the Creature Shop announced they were teaming up with Netflix to produce a 10-episode prequel series to “The Dark Crystal.” When it comes to people who left the world a better place, it’s easy to see how Jim Henson’s unique brand of magic and creativity allowed him to do just that.

“My hope is still to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.” –Jim Henson

September 24, 2017, would mark the 81st birthday of Jim Henson. While the general public may know Henson best for his zany, beloved Muppets, the celebrated storyteller was involved in many groundbreaking shows and movies. Other fantastical productions beneath the Henson banner include the eerie and magical cult classic “Labyrinth,” starring music icon David Bowie, “The Dark Crystal,” and the TV series “The Storyteller.” Henson also founded Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, a special effects company that specializes in puppetry, animatronics, and creature suits. Henson also helped create movie history when he was invited to the set of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” to aid in the creation of an iconic character: Yoda. Prior to Henson’s involvement, director George Lucas intended to use a trained monkey in a mask to portray the Jedi Master. Henson encouraged Lucas to hire puppeteer Frank Oz instead. Oz has since voiced

upcoming “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

Today, almost 30 years after Henson’s sudden death in 1990, the legacy he left behind still creates joy around the world. The Muppets recently returned to the public spotlight with two features films and a sitcom. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop continues to create fantastic designs, from the puppets on “Sesame Street” to characters that perform onstage beside singer Lady Gaga. This past

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Normally, we use this space in our newsletter to feature one of our employees or talk about an upcoming event. This month, we wanted to share some compliments from the people whose opinion matters most to us: our clients. At the Elder Care Firm, there is no accolade that matters more to us than hearing our clients say we did a good job for them and their families.

forever grateful to you and your team! Thank you for not only preparing our trust, but for all the information on service-connected disability, as well as aid and attendance. Because of your knowledge about veterans benefits, my husband is getting what he truly deserves and needs from his time spent in Vietnam. It takes a village, but you were there to help. I can rest a lot easier now. God bless you.”

“Chris, thank you so much! I don’t know how you got this approved for me! I also received a payment of $54,000 going back to September 2011. I am

–Marti

“Christopher is a very professional, well-informed, and personable attorney. He has a wealth of knowledge regarding elder law, protecting assets, veterans benefits, and more. He is one of only a handful of certified elder law attorneys in Michigan. He is easy to talk with and is patient with myriads of questions. He exhibits a high level of professionalism. I highly recommend him.”

–Peggy

Thank you so much, Marti and Peggy, for your kind words. And thanks to each and every one of our clients. We wouldn’t be the firm we are without you.

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Being tasked with probating an estate is a complicated process. Most people never consider the intricacy of this role until a parent or spouse dies. You can turn to probate courts for general information, but they cannot provide legal advice. Because of this, you may want to consult an estate planning attorney for help with the myriad of legal issues that this role entails. Here are five common difficulties that our attorneys often see first-time personal representatives struggle with. Help for Personal Representatives 5 Common Difficulties REQUIREMENTS FOR PROBATE A personal representative has a lot to take on. They do everything, from locating a will and determining heirs, to meeting legal deadliness and filling out a mountain of paperwork. And this is just a small sample of the many tasks you’ll be required to handle. An attorney can help with these concerns, easing your stress and anxiety. SAFEGUARDING ESTATE ASSETS It is your job to protect estate assets until the time comes to distribute them to heirs. This process becomes difficult when you have heirs clamoring for assets and personal items. If you don’t inventory assets quickly and with the diligent help of a lawyer, you could end up dealing with a rat race.

FAMILY CONFLICTS Unfortunately, resolving estates can bring about a lot of inter-family turmoil. In some cases, family members may even legally contest the validity of a will. Dealing with this quarreling during a stressful time is hard, but an attorney can help you represent the wishes of the deceased. FILING TAX RETURNS Filing individual and estate tax returns is often a source of stress for a personal representative. In addition to dealing with the deadlines and requirements of probating the estate, you must also worry about preparing and filing tax returns. Our attorneys have experience with estate tax returns and can help you with this aspect of the estate. PERSONAL LIABILITY You can be held liable for actions and inactions while acting as a personal representative. If you have no experience, you’ll need an attorney to make sure you limit your risk for personal liability.

CHIMICHURRI BEEF SKEWERS Chris’ Paleo Corner:

Thank You! For us to be able to help family and friends just like you, we depend on referrals. Thank you to the following people for your support!

DIRECTIONS

1. Thinly slice steak and place in Ziploc bag or sealable container. 2. Place all chimichurri ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Cover and place in fridge. Divide in half. Pour half of chimichurri on top of steak, along with hefty pinch of salt. Mix to combine, and refrigerate for 4 or more hours. Save other half of chimichurri for later. 3. Once steak has marinated, remove from fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to help come to room temperature. Thread beef through metal skewers if desired. Heat grill and grease a bit to help keep from sticking. Place meat on hot grill and cook for 2 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Repeat with all meat. 4. Top meat with extra chimichurri and whatever fruit salsa you prefer.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds grass-fed flank, hanger steak, or flap meat (I used flap), thinly sliced against the grain FOR THE CHIMICHURRI • 1 packed cup fresh cilantro • 1 packed cup fresh parsley • ½ cup olive oil • ¼ medium white onion, minced • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) • ½ teaspoon ground coriander • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt FOR THE REST • Hefty pinch of salt, to taste • Mango salsa or pineapple-jicama salsa

Andrew Ceo

Heather O’Neill

Lisa Robinson

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Plan. Protect. Preserve.

8550 Grand River Ave., Ste. 200 Brighton, MI 48116 888-390-4360 www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com

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INSIDE this issue

The Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer’s PAGE 1

This Month in History PAGE 2

What Our Clients Are Saying PAGE 2

Help for Personal Representatives PAGE 3

Chimichurri Beef Skewers PAGE 3

A Celebration of Hard Work PAGE 4

A CELEBRATION OF HARD WORK The History of Labor Day

Americans work hard, and on the first Monday of every September we take a moment to

unions were illegal. In 1872, workers marched directly to the door of Canadian Prime Minister John Macdonald, demanding the right to organize. He relented, and the march became a Canadian tradition. As for who brought the tradition to our country, there are two competing candidates. Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and member of the American Federation of Labor, witnessed the celebrations in Canada and proposed a similar parade to New York City’s Central Labor Union in 1882. That same year, machinist Matthew Maguire proposed a national Labor Day after a public demonstration by the Central Labor Union. Union went on strike against the Pullman Company in what is now known as the Pullman Strike. President Grover Cleveland called in the Army and U.S. Marshals in an attempt to break the strike, and several workers in Chicago lost their lives. In an effort to quell tensions and garner union vote support, President Cleveland signed Labor Day into law just six days after the strike ended. Our country would not be what it is today without the immense effort of laborers. As you enjoy the last long weekend before fall, take a moment to acknowledge just what a difference these hardworking people make. Labor Day didn’t become a federal holiday, though, until a few years later. In 1894, the American Railway

acknowledge their efforts. Labor Day has a fascinating history and one that you might not expect.

The roots of Labor Day stretch back to the Industrial Revolution, when jobs became plentiful, but not without a cost. As conditions worsened and work days grew longer, unions sprang up as a way to protect the rights of the common laborer. Workers in Canada didn’t fare quite so well because

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