Lauretta K. Murphy is a Member of the firm and has been practicing law since 1988. Her practice areas include elder law and disability planning, and probate and estate planning. She knows how to explain things in plain English and puts people at ease even in complex estate planning or elder law situations. She recently edited Advising the Older Client or Client with A Disability for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Wills and Trusts
Trust and Estate administration
Estate and gift tax reduction and avoidance
Preparing powers of attorney and patient advocate designations
Filing guardianships and conservatorships
Providing assistance with Medicaid/Medicare issues such as spend down and asset sheltering
Preparing Medicaid applications and forms, and assisting with appeals if needed
Reviewing nursing home contracts and policies
Identifying resources for people afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other dementia
Protecting the homestead
Laurie is currently the board president of Elder Law of Michigan and the Kent County Council on Aging. She is on the board of Disability Advocates of Kent County and the Grand Rapids Art Museum Foundation.
Her professional memberships include the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American College of Trust and Estate Council, the West Michigan Estate Planning Council, and the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan.