A Parent's need for a Designation of Patient Advocate for their college student
Melder & Melder, P.C. • June 20, 2022
There's one more thing to do before your child goes to college.
Once your child reaches the “age of majority, (usually 18), they have, as far as the law is concerned, become an adult. This means that information regarding their health, finances, and education will not be disclosed to anyone without their written consent. This should concern you if you have an 18-year-old going off to college this fall.
With a healthcare POA—called a Designation of Patient Advocate in Michigan, (this document goes by different names depending on your state), one person (called the "patient") gives another person (called the "patient advocate") the power to make medical treatment decisions, and find out information about their health condition. This may include decisions regarding mental health treatment, physical health treatment, and general health conditions.
A person must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to create a Designation of Patient Advocate.
Without this document a parent, even a parent paying for their child’s education and covering some or all of their expenses, including medical expenses, may be denied access or information as to their child’s medical conditions, even in life-or-death situations.
Don’t wait, the time to obtain one of these documents is before it is needed.
If you, a friend, or a family member has a child who is turning 18, or is older than 18 and never had a Designation of Patient Advocate prepared, and has a child heading off to school this fall, please have them call our office to discuss this in more detail.
Let our family, help your family!
Melder & Melder, P.C.
2304 East Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Telephone: (248)-541-3400
or (800)-LAW-5454
Facsimile: (248)-541-6332
info@melderandmelder.com
www.melderandmelder.com
As the school year kicks off, families with shared child custody face unique challenges and opportunities. Transitioning back into a routine that balances parenting time with educational responsibilities requires thoughtful planning and clear communication. At Melder & Melder, we understand the complexities involved and are here to help families navigate this important time with confidence and care. Why the Back-to-School Season is Critical in Shared Custody Arrangements The start of school brings new schedules, homework, extracurricular activities, and social dynamics. For parents sharing custody, it’s essential to align on these changes to support your child’s stability and success. Consistency in routines and mutual cooperation between parents can make all the difference in your child’s adjustment and well-being. Tips for Managing Shared Custody During the School Year Develop a Detailed Schedule: Work together to create a custody schedule that incorporates school hours, drop-offs, pickups, and extracurricular activities. Flexibility is key, but clarity helps avoid misunderstandings. Communicate Openly and Respectfully: Keep each other informed about important school events, progress reports, and any issues your child may be facing. Use tools like shared calendars or apps designed for co-parenting to stay organized. Focus on Your Child’s Needs: Prioritize your child’s emotional and educational well-being. Keep conversations about disagreements away from your child and encourage positivity about both homes. Prepare for Changes: School schedules can change due to holidays, teacher conferences, or unforeseen events. Plan ahead and be willing to adjust arrangements as necessary. Seek Legal Guidance if Needed: If disagreements arise that you cannot resolve amicably, consulting an experienced family law attorney can provide clarity and protect your child’s best interests. How Melder & Melder Can Help At Melder & Melder, we specialize in family law and have extensive experience supporting parents through custody challenges. Whether you are establishing a custody agreement or modifying one to better fit the school year routine, our compassionate attorneys can guide you through the legal process. We focus on solutions that prioritize your child’s stability and happiness while respecting parental rights. If you have questions or need assistance with child custody arrangements as school starts, don’t hesitate to contact Melder & Melder. Call us today at 248-541-3400 or submit our contact form . Starting school again brings new routines and responsibilities for families with shared custody. With careful planning, open communication, and professional support when needed, parents can create a positive, nurturing environment that helps their child thrive all year long. Melder & Melder is here to support you every step of the way.
Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process for individuals in and around Royal Oaks, MI. Understanding the specific legal considerations and procedures applicable in your local area is crucial to safeguarding your rights during this challenging time. In this blog post, we will explore key aspects of divorce tailored to the Royal Oaks community, drawing insights from local legal practices and guidelines. Types of Divorce Representation at Melder & Melder: Experienced Counsel: Highlighting the expertise and knowledge of the attorneys at Melder & Melder in handling both contested and uncontested divorce cases. Personalized Approach: Discussing the firm’s commitment to providing individualized guidance and support to clients throughout the divorce process. Legal Grounds for Divorce: Michigan Divorce Laws: Exploring the grounds for divorce in Michigan and how the attorneys at Melder & Melder navigate both fault-based and no-fault divorce cases. Advocacy for Clients: Discussing how the firm advocates for clients’ rights and interests in alignment with Michigan divorce laws. Asset Division and Alimony Counsel: Equitable Distribution: Outlining how the attorneys at Melder & Melder analyze and strategize asset division to achieve fair outcomes for their clients. Alimony Determination: Detailing the firm’s approach to advocating for fair and reasonable spousal support arrangements based on Michigan guidelines. Child Custody and Support Representation: Child-Focused Approach: Highlighting the firm’s emphasis on prioritizing the well-being of children in custody and support matters. Legal Expertise: Discussing the attorneys’ in-depth knowledge of Michigan child custody laws to secure favorable outcomes for clients. Legal Procedures and Client Resources: Procedural Guidance: Providing an overview of the steps involved in the divorce process and the firm’s role in navigating clients through legal proceedings. Client Collaboration: Emphasizing the importance of open communication and collaboration between clients and the attorneys at Melder & Melder to achieve positive outcomes in divorce cases. Navigating the complexities of divorce requires a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team like Melder & Melder. With a focus on personalized service, expertise in Michigan divorce laws, and a commitment to advocating for clients’ rights, the attorneys at Melder & Melder provide valuable support and guidance throughout the divorce process. By partnering with experienced legal professionals, clients can protect their rights, make informed decisions, and embark on a positive path toward a new chapter in their lives. Call us at 248-541-3400 to schedule a consultation!
Discover expert tips on how to navigate summer custody arrangements as divorced parents in our latest blog post. Learn how to create a detailed parenting schedule, maintain open communication, and prioritize your children’s best interests with guidance from Melder & Melder. Ensure a smooth and harmonious co-parenting experience during the summer months.
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Filing for divorce is a difficult and emotional process, but having the right attorney on your side can make it a little bit easier. When choosing an attorney to represent you in your divorce case, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for you. Here are some things to ask an attorney when filing for divorce: What is your experience with divorce cases? It’s important to choose an attorney who has experience with divorce cases and is knowledgeable about family law. Ask about their experience handling divorce cases, their success rate, and how long they have been practicing family law. What is your approach to divorce cases? Every attorney has a different approach to handling divorce cases, so it’s important to find one whose approach aligns with your goals and values. Ask about their approach to negotiations, mediation, and litigation to see if it aligns with what you are looking for. What is the likely outcome of my case? While no attorney can predict the outcome of your divorce case with certainty, they should be able to give you an idea of what to expect based on their experience and knowledge of family law. Ask about the likely outcome of your case and any potential challenges that may arise. What are your fees and billing practices? Divorce can be a costly process, so it’s important to be clear about your attorney’s fees and billing practices upfront. Ask about their hourly rate, retainer fee, and any other costs associated with your case. How will you communicate with me throughout the process? Communication is key in any legal case, so make sure you ask your attorney how they will keep you informed about the progress of your case. Ask about their preferred method of communication, how often you can expect to hear from them, and how quickly they will respond to your inquiries. Can you help me set realistic expectations for my case? Divorce can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your case. Ask your attorney to help you set realistic expectations about the timeline, cost, and likely outcome of your divorce case. Choosing the right attorney to represent you in your divorce case is crucial to achieving a successful outcome. The attorneys at Melder & Melder are the only local legal resource you need. No matter your situation or questions you have, we are here for you. Call us at (248) 541-3400 for a free initial phone consultation with one of our attorneys. Melder & Melder, P.C. 2304 East Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Telephone: (248)-541-3400 or (800)-LAW-5454 Facsimile: (248)-541-6332 info@melderandmelder.com www.melderandmelder.com
Going through a divorce is often challenging, especially when children are involved. Fortunately, at Melder & Melder, P.C., our child custody lawyers at can help. We understand the sensitivity of child custody matters including support and visitation, and that each family's situation is unique. Our skilled attorneys are committed to finding solutions that respect the rights of our clients, while still serving the best interests of the children. As our client, we will stand with you throughout the entirety of your divorce and make sure that you are protected and defended. You will always be told the truth, and we will listen to your concerns, and answer any questions that you may have regarding your matter. Thought the process we explain how the system works, and recommend strategies and approaches to the issue at hand. Call the Law Office of Melder & Melder, P.C., and let our experience, knowledge, and skill, assist you in the toughest of circumstances. Melder & Melder, P.C. 2304 East Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Telephone: (248)-541-3400 or (800)-LAW-5454 Facsimile: (248)-541-6332 aric@melderandmelder.com www.melderandmelder.com
Kids home for the holidays from college, have a power of attorney and patient advocate designation prepared.
Picture this: You're cruising down the road, wind in your hair, tunes blaring from the stereo. Life is good! But suddenly, those flashing red and blue lights appear in your rearview mirror. You've been caught speeding, and now you're facing a dreaded traffic ticket. Don't panic just yet! In this blog post, we'll show you why hiring an attorney to fight your traffic ticket can be a total game-changer. Buckle up and let's dive in! 1. They Know the Rules of the Game : When it comes to traffic laws, attorneys are the true experts. They eat, sleep, and breathe legal jargon like it's their morning coffee. By hiring an attorney specialized in traffic law, you're bringing someone on board who knows all the ins and outs of the system. They'll know which loopholes to exploit, what evidence to gather, and how to build a solid defense strategy tailored specifically for your case. 2. Experience Matters: Imagine going into battle without any prior training or experience – it's a recipe for disaster! The same principle applies when fighting a traffic ticket. Attorneys have years of experience dealing with similar cases and navigating through the legal maze. They know how to negotiate with prosecutors, present compelling arguments in court, and increase your chances of getting that ticket dismissed or reduced. 3. Saving Time and Energy: Let's face it – dealing with legal matters can be time-consuming and mentally draining. Researching laws, preparing documents, attending court hearings – it's enough to make anyone's head spin! By hiring an attorney, you're handing over these burdensome tasks to someone else who knows exactly what they're doing. This allows you to focus on other important aspects of your life while leaving the legal heavy lifting to the professionals. 4. Protecting Your Driving Record: Your driving record is like a precious gem – once tarnished, it's not easy to restore its former glory. Traffic violations can lead to points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and even license suspension. Hiring an attorney to fight your traffic ticket gives you a fighting chance at keeping your record clean. They'll work tirelessly to minimize the impact of the ticket on your driving privileges, ensuring that you can continue hitting the road worry-free. 5. Money Talks: Some people hesitate to hire an attorney because they fear the costs involved. But here's the thing – hiring an attorney could actually save you money in the long run! How? Well, think about it: paying a fine for a traffic ticket might seem like a quick fix, but it often leads to increased insurance premiums that can haunt you for years. By investing in an attorney upfront, you're potentially avoiding these long-term financial consequences and protecting your hard-earned cash. Fighting a traffic ticket may seem like an uphill battle, but with the right attorney by your side, victory is within reach! From their extensive knowledge of traffic laws to their courtroom expertise, attorneys are the secret weapon you need in your corner. So don't just accept that traffic ticket – fight back and reclaim your driving freedom! Remember, hiring an attorney isn't just about winning; it's about taking control of your future on the open road. If you find yourself caught up with a traffic infraction, go ahead and call Melder & Melder P.C at (248) 541-3400. We can help turn this traffic ticket fiasco into a distant memory. Melder & Melder, P.C. 2304 East Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Telephone: (248)-541-3400 or (800)-LAW-5454 Facsimile: (248)-541-6332 aric@melderandmelder.com www.melderandmelder.com
