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Todd D. Schmitz
About Todd
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Elder Law
25%
28 years
Estate Planning
25%
28 years
Medicaid and Medicare
25%
28 years
Trusts
25%
28 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 33 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
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Todd D. Schmitz's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 69 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jennifer | November 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Estate Planning
I hired Attorney Todd Schmitz to assist us with applying for Medicaid for my ill father. Todd took the time & patience to explain the plan to us. For the well-being of my father, as the POA, I decided to change the plan. Todd was very amenable to the change of plans. This past year both Todd & Attor...
Posted by Emerson | August 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review of Todd Schmitz
We were very pleased with Mr. Schmitz and his whole team. He is very professional, patient and took the time with us to explain the whole process of creating a trust. We were never rushed or made to feel obligated to do anything we were not comfortable with. All our paperwork was completed in a profe...
Posted by Lesa | May 2, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Estate planning assistance..
Mr Schmitz assisted me with my mother's estate. This was a very traumatic time for us. He went out of his way to be sure her estate was in order and relieve our stress. He was there to answer any of our questions..
Posted by Jill | January 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trust & Estate Attorney
Todd is a very knoweldgeable and highly effective trusts and estates attorney with great integrity. Todd did a great job of helping me update my estate planning documents ensuring that my young children would be protected and cared for in the event of my passing. All work was delivered as promised...
Posted by Henry | October 30, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trust
I was very nervous about setting up a trust for my wife and I. I was afraid that the wrong lawyer would just be out to get money from me in any way possible and not worry about my best interest, or just go through the motions and give me a will that didn't protect my family. Todd was very profess...
Todd D. Schmitz's Lawyer Endorsements
"Todd is a top notch Elder Law and Medicaid Planning attorney. From my experience, he has a thorough understanding of technical issues and a gift for finding practical solutions for clients. I am sure clients appreciate his down-to-earth, approachable, and friendly demeanor. I endorse Todd’s work and would not hesitate to recommend his services."
"I endorse Todd Schmitz. He was extremely helpful in assisting me in qualifying my father for Medicaid. I have been a successful tax and corporate partner with a national law firm for many years, but was lost in this technical area. He managed the submission to the Agency, designed the trust to protect my mother, dealt with Medicare on behalf of my father and stayed in constant contact with us. Our submission had several complicating factors. Very knowledgeable and efficient with a helpful staff."
"I endorse this lawyer. We are both members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and have corroborated on estate plans and Medicaid Applications. Todd is an excellent attorney who cares about his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Todd for close to 20 years. In the roughly 40 years I have been an estate planning attorney I have found him to be a lawyer of superb intellect who does a great job for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. They are an expert in the field of estate planning."
"I have known Todd for many years. He is an excellent Elderlaw attorney and a wonderful person to boot. He's the one I go to when an Elderlaw issue has me stumped."
"I endorse this lawyer. Todd wad a great resource for elder lae and Medicaid Planning when I first joined the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Todd did a wonderful presentation on Medicaid Planning that I still turn to today as a reference guide. He knows Elder Law and Estate Planning and I highly recommend him."
"Attorney Schmitz and I worked together on an estate planning matter for a client facing financial difficulties due to a spouse suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Attorney Schmitz effectively structured and implemented an estate plan for this client, while at the same time exhibiting patience and compassion for a client who was grieving, frustrated and heartbroken. Attorney Schmitz is an exceptional attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Todd is the co-author with me of the Michigan edition of "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets" (www.MedicaidSecrets.com). See him for copies of the MI edition."
"I had the pleasure and honor of working with Todd for almost two years. Todd has been a wonderful role model and mentor. He is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to providing honest and accurate advise to his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked for Todd and his law firm's clients from Autumn 2010 to the present. He is a hard-working family man with a tremendous grasp of the myriad issues involved in elder law and estate planning. He also has all of the intellect and experience that you would want from your attorney, but without any of the arrogance and flash that is too often exhibited by legal practitioners. Working with Todd has been a great educational experience which has made me a far better attorney."
"I highly recommend and endorse Todd Schmitz. I have had the pleasure of working with Todd and have personally known him for approximately 12 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and a powerful advocate for his clients. Todd has the utmost integrity and is a credit to the legal profession. You can be certain that when Todd is your attorney, your matter will be handled professionally, promptly and to your satisfaction."
"A Lawyer's Lawyer."
"Todd is one of the leading Elder Law Attorneys in his area."
"I have kown Todd for a few years through my membership with the American Academy of Esate Planning attorneys. Todd is an outstanding elder law attorney whose legal opinions are highly valued by his peers. His expertise in Medicaid planning and VA benefit planning is beyond impressive. In addition to his thorough knowledge of the law, Todd is creative and an effective advocate for his clients. I highly recommend him."
"Todd is the kind of lawyer every client seeks. He is extremely knowledgeable in the area of law he practices, and has saved countless clients from excessive taxes and court fees. You could not have a better lawyer on your side"
"I absolutely endorse Todd Schmitz. Recently one of my favorite clients needed some prompt estate planning that involved Michigan specific matters. I contacted Todd and asked him to assist. Todd completed the project the right way, without delay, and my client was happy. That made me happy. Plus, he's a great guy to work with, and he's a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. I'll gladly work with Todd again."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Todd Schmitz is hard working and truly cares about the best possible outcome for his clients. He is knowledgeable about his practice area, and always innovative in finding solutions to unique problems that clients may have. I have recommended him to my own family, and will continue to recommend him to others."
"I've known Todd professionally for over ten years. His work has always been excellent and innovative -- he's been willing to take on tough elder law issues that most lawyers run away from. And he's also been exceptionally thorough -- hiring professionals in other disciplines to help his clients with every aspect of their needs. I continue to rely on him to help all my clients with Medicaid and Veterans Benefits issues."
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Experience
Honors
2016
36 hours Continuing Legal Education Received, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2015
36 hours Continuing Legal Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2014
36 hours Continuing Legal Education met, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2013
36 hours Continuing Legal Education met, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2012
36 hours Continuing Legal Education met, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2011
36 hours Continuing Legal Education met, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2009
36 hours Continuing Legal Education met, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2008
Probate and Estate Planning Program Certificate, Michigan State Bar Association Probate and Estate Planning Sections
2008
36 hours Continuing Legal Education Requirement Met, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
Work Experience
2003 - 2016
Of Counsel, The Elder & Disability Law Firm, PLLC
Associations
2016 - Present
Michigan Association for JusticeMember
2014 - Present
Macomb County Bar Assoc. Real Property CommitteeMember
2006 - Present
National Association of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2006 - Present
Macomb County Probate Bar AssociationMember
2003 - Present
American Academy of Estate Planning AttorneysMember
1994 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationElder Law Committee, Real Property Committee
1992 - Present
Michigan Bar AssociationMember
2008 - 2010
AARP Legal Services NetworkMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Divorce asset protection provided to trust beneficiary
Assets were protected.
Medicaid approval despite SBO Trust policy change
Medicaid approval
Stretch IRA with living trust named as beneficiary
Stretch IRA payments for client while his trust was the beneficiary
Successful Medicaid payment to nursing home after client's death
Victory for client's family and the nursing home
Medicaid qualification of married client
Medicaid approval by MI DHS
Medicaid qualification for unmarried client
DHS approval
Education
1992
Wayne State University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
Michigan State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1985
Mount Clemens High School
Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2016
EDLF Client Seminar
Avoid common estate planning mistakes
2015
Oakland County Bar Association Real Property Committee
Real estate and deed issues
2012
Macomb Kennel Club membership meeting
Pet Trusts: "To my dog, Lucky, I leave $10,000"
2010
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2010
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2010
Estate Planning Myths
Estate Planning
2009
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2009
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2008
Revocable Living Trusts
Revocable Living Trusts
2008
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2007
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2007
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2006
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2006
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2005
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2005
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2004
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2004
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2003
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2003
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2002
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2002
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2001
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2001
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
2000
Medicaid Planning Seminar
Medicaid Planning
2000
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
1999
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
1998
Living Trust Seminars Throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties
Revocable Living Trusts
Publications
2013
Phylius Press
Medicaid Secrets: MI Edition - How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs
2013
Macomb County Bar Briefs
Which Came First: The Liber or the Page? Finding real estate records and the recording date with the new Super Index
2010
2003
A Will is not Enough in Michigan
Smart Practical Things You Can Do for Control and Protection of Your Property
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Grantor has passed can a successor trustee occupy a homestead that was in a trust and claim a principal residence exemption?
19 Feb 2015
Q&A
Does a subsequent written statement trump a documented trust if provisions allow for this
07 Apr 2012
Q&A
Can a person have 2 different Revocable Living Trusts?
12 Mar 2012