Seminar to Empower Senior Citizens Set for October 11

Seminar to Empower Senior Citizens Set for October 11

The State Bar of Michigan Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, in partnership with the SBM Elder Law & Disability Rights, the SBM Probate & Estate Planning, and SBM Consumer Law Sections, will present an informational program to inform and empower senior citizens in estate planning decisions with the primary kickoff program on Wednesday, Oct. 11 in 51 counties statewide. The start time of each 60-minute-long program has been set by local senior centers, generally from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. See the list of hosting senior centers with specific program information.

“A Living Trust Education Initiative: Who Should You Trust? Avoiding Estate Planning Mistakes,” will provide senior citizens, including veterans applying for Veterans Affairs benefits, with essential estate planning information and caution them about deceptive sales practices that could potentially jeopardize their economic stability. It will include a short 30-minute presentation by licensed Michigan attorneys and a dynamic question and answer period to allow program participants to obtain accurate information about estate planning matters.

Program participants will receive a folder containing estate planning information and other materials to help them avoid estate planning mistakes and being victimized by persons selling annuities for their own economic gain. Seniors should not miss this opportunity to become informed.

SBM Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee Co-Chair Sean M. Cowley and Co-Chair Barbara BakerOmerod, SBM Elder Law & Disability Rights Section Chair Michele P. Fuller, SBM Probate & Estate Planning Section Chair James B. Steward, and SBM Consumer Law Section Chair Lynn H. Shecter enthusiastically embrace this community outreach program and encourage their members to participate in it as a meaningful way to protect the public from harm by empowering senior citizens to make informed decisions.

For more information, contact your local senior center or State Bar of Michigan Professional Standards Division Paralegal Amy Emmons at (517) 346-6343 or by e-mail at sbmsred@michbar.org.