Legal & Consumer Services in Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties
Payee, Conservator and Guardianship Services
Sometimes people may need a little help managing finances or, in the other cases, may not be able to continue making decisions on their own. As a result, there are organizations in the community that may be able to assist clients. There are different levels of assistance and costs involved so you should discuss this with the agency before you make your decision.
Capital Payee
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Guardian Assistance of Michigan
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Mid-Michigan Guardianship Services, INC. (MMGS)
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The ARC – Mid-Michigan
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Tri-County Guardianship
Please note this agency is not a part of Tri-County Office on Aging.
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Non-Profit Legal Services
Cooley Law School- Kimble Center for Legal Drafting
The Kimble Center for Legal Drafting has released two public documents- a Medical Power of Attorney, and a Durable Power of Attorney for finances.
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Disability Rights Michigan
Organization designated to protect the rights of people with disabilities in Michigan. Services may include information and referral, legal representation, advocacy, monitoring, and training.
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Elder Law of Michigan- Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP)
This program assists retirees of any age or any income with retirement benefits. Staff can find lost pensions, investigate benefit denials, and file appeals.
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Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid-Michigan
Organization that is ready to help with any type of housing discrimination issues. Provides investigative services, advice, advocacy, conciliation, attorney referrals, and community education.
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Legal Services of South Central Michigan
Assists qualifying individuals with a wide range of legal issues including Family Law, Housing, Public Benefits, Consumer Matters, and Health Care.
Legal Services of South Central Michigan also holds appointments at the Beacon of Hope Family Care Center in St. Johns on the first Tuesday of each month. Call Beacon of Hope to schedule an appointment. 989-224-0328
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Michigan Legal Help
An online legal resource that has information about a variety of legal topics and links to additional resources. You can also find a self-help center to get more help representing yourself in court.
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Michigan State University Housing Justice Clinic
The Housing Justice Clinic advances the cause of safe, decent, sanitary, fair, open, and affordable housing in mid-Michigan. Students deal with all aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship, including educating residents on their basic rights, working with tenants who are on the brink of eviction, assisting renters who are living in unsafe conditions, and connecting people with community resources.
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Sixty Plus Inc., Elder Law Clinic*
Students assist in drafting estate planning documents for clients who are 60 and older.
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Other Options
Sometimes you don’t need a lawyer to resolve a situation, but you need someone knowledgeable to help you file a complaint or navigate a complex system.
Adult Protective Services
If you are aware that someone is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, it is important to make a report to Adult Protective Services. APS staff can often help people navigate guardianship and conservatorship issues.
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Department of Health and Human Services
If someone has spent down their remaining assets on their own needs, it may be possible to apply for Medicaid for long term care without hiring an elder law attorney. The Medicaid application may be done on paper or online.
If you have questions as you are completing the application, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for more information and ask to speak to a long term care Medicaid specialist. If you are applying for Medicaid to be used in a traditional nursing home setting, those facilities may have someone on-staff who can assist with the application as well.
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EVE (End Violent Encounters)
If you are a victim of domestic violence, EVE can help you obtain a Personal Protection Order. Call their 24 hour crisis line for more information. They also have a program for older adults – Abuse in Later Life that can offer support and other resources.
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Michigan Attorney General
The Attorney General’s office offers a variety of assistance to Michigan residents to help protect consumers and mediate complaints. This website has information, online complaint forms and other important consumer protection resources.
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MI Choice, Community Transition Services (CTS) and PACE Ombudsman
This Ombudsman educates, supports and advocates on behalf of participants involved with the MiChoice, CTS and PACE programs.
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Michigan Long Term Ombudsman Program
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes, homes for the aged and adult foster care homes. A resident of one of these settings or a family can call to speak with a local ombudsman whenever you:
- Have concerns about care provided in a licensed care facility
- Have questions about your rights in a long-term care facility
- Want information on alternatives to nursing home care
- Want to compare long term care services
The toll -free number to speak to your local ombudsman is 1-866-485-9393.
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Planning for Your Peace of Mind
This publication offers the opportunity to create Advance Directives, complete a Michigan Statutory Will and document other important information for your family.
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Resolution Services Center of Central Michigan
A non-profit organization which helps parties resolve conflict, make decisions about difficult situations and develop plans of action which are acceptable to all parties through mediation.