Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Legal Services in Brighton, MI
The Elder Care Firm Legal has been empowering families in Brighton, Michigan for over 20 years, specializing in estate planning, elder law, and financial planning. Our team of certified professionals, including one of only 18 Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Michigan, delivers personalized solutions through our proprietary CASTLE Process. We combine legal expertise with financial planning to protect assets, navigate Medicaid planning, and secure veterans benefits. Our three-step process ensures clarity in retirement planning while integrating tax strategies for long-term security.With a focus on community service and client education, we provide workshops and resources to help families avoid probate and preserve legacies. Our holistic approach coordinates legal, financial, and tax planning under one roof, offering clients comprehensive protection against nursing home costs and unexpected challenges. Recognized in Forbes and Kiplinger's, our firm maintains active involvement in local charities while serving clients virtually across Michigan.
Services
Estate Planning
Elder Law Services
Asset Protection
Financial Planning
Veterans Benefits
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Certified Elder Law Attorneys with 20+ years of experience
- Integrated legal, financial, and tax planning services
- Proprietary CASTLE Process for comprehensive protection
- Specialized veterans benefits assistance and Medicaid planning
- Recognized in Forbes and Kiplinger's financial publications
Associations and certifications
- CELA
- CFP Board
What people say
Extremely professional
Personalized solutions
Efficient handling
Knowledgeable team
Clear communication
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create legally sound strategies to protect assets and ensure wishes are honored. We craft customized wills, trusts, and powers of attorney while coordinating with financial plans. Our three-step process includes discovery, document review, and implementation with ongoing support for families across Michigan.
Elder Law Services
Specialized elder law services address long-term care needs and asset protection. We help clients navigate Medicaid eligibility, nursing home cost planning, and veterans benefits while maintaining quality care options. Our certified attorneys provide comprehensive strategies for aging families throughout Michigan.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection strategies safeguard wealth from creditors and long-term care costs. Using tools like Castle Trusts and LLCs, we help clients preserve assets while maintaining control. Services include Medicaid planning, will-based estate plans, and integrated financial protection strategies.
Financial Planning
Comprehensive financial planning services coordinate with legal strategies to build secure futures. We offer investment guidance, retirement planning, and tax integration services. Our approach ensures financial goals align with estate plans while minimizing tax burdens for Michigan families.
Veterans Benefits
We specialize in veterans benefits planning, including Aid & Attendance claims and disability benefits. Our team helps veterans secure entitled benefits for long-term care while coordinating with overall estate plans. Services cover applications, appeals, and rating increase assistance across Michigan.
People
Christopher J. Berry
Founder/Attorney
Certified Elder Law Attorney with 25+ years experience, author of 'The Caregiver's Legal Guide', and host of The Chris Berry Show. Recognized by Forbes and Kiplinger's, he combines legal and financial expertise to protect Michigan families.
Ryan Berry
Director of Inspiration
Motivational youth leader passionate about education and community service. Manages school credit union and safety programs while promoting literacy among younger students through volunteer initiatives.
Madison Berry
Director of Sass
Engaged community advocate with strong interest in politics and environmental causes. Active in girl scouts and sports programs while maintaining academic excellence in reading and performing arts.
Sarah Smith
Client Service Coordinator
Over 10 years of client service experience managing office operations. Focuses on family-centered solutions and community volunteer work while coordinating client communications for estate planning services.
Sal Curcuru
Certified Public Accountant
Tax planning expert specializing in high-tax business owners' needs. Holds multiple accounting and law degrees, serving as Oakland County Bar Association tax committee chair while integrating financial strategies with estate plans.
Questions
What estate planning documents are most important?
Key documents include wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our team helps determine which tools best protect your assets and wishes.
How can Medicaid planning protect assets?
Our strategies help preserve wealth while qualifying for Medicaid benefits, using tools like Castle Trusts and proper asset transfers to protect against nursing home costs.
Do I need an estate plan if I'm not wealthy?
Yes, everyone should plan for incapacity and asset distribution. We create customized solutions for all estate sizes, ensuring your wishes are honored regardless of wealth level.
How do veterans benefits work with estate plans?
We coordinate VA benefits with estate plans to maximize available assistance while protecting eligibility. This includes Aid & Attendance benefits and long-term care planning.
What makes your elder law services unique?
Our certified elder law attorneys combine legal, financial, and tax planning with specialized Medicaid strategies, offering comprehensive protection for aging families across Michigan.
Can I update my estate plan after creation?
Yes, we recommend regular reviews and updates for major life changes. Our team provides ongoing support to ensure your plan remains current with evolving needs and laws.
