Sixty Plus, Inc. Elder Law Clinic – Lansing, MI

Compassionate Legal Aid for Seniors in Mid-Michigan

Access to justice should not be limited by age or income. Sixty Plus, Inc. Elder Law Clinic is a dedicated legal aid organization operating within the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Since its founding in 1979, the clinic has provided essential legal services to thousands of seniors, ensuring that their rights are protected and their dignity preserved. This unique clinic functions as a teaching law firm where upper-level law students, under the strict supervision of experienced faculty attorneys, represent clients in a variety of civil matters. The clinic’s mission is twofold: to provide high-quality, free legal representation to individuals aged 60 and older in the tri-county area, and to train the next generation of lawyers in the art of compassionate and effective advocacy.

Estate Planning and Advanced Directives

One of the primary services offered by Sixty Plus is helping seniors plan for the future. The clinic understands the importance of having your affairs in order to prevent family conflict and ensure your wishes are honored.

• Wills and Trusts: Drafting simple wills to distribute assets and personal property according to the client’s specific instructions.
• Powers of Attorney: Creating durable powers of attorney for finances and patient advocate designations (healthcare powers of attorney) to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions in the event of incapacity.
• Enhanced Life Estate Deeds: Preparing ‘Lady Bird’ deeds to allow seniors to retain control of their home during their lifetime while passing it directly to beneficiaries upon death, avoiding probate.

Guardianship and Protective Proceedings

The clinic assists in matters related to the protection of vulnerable adults.

• Guardianship and Conservatorship: Representing clients in probate court proceedings to establish or contest guardianships and conservatorships, ensuring that the least restrictive means of protection are used.
• Elder Abuse Prevention: providing legal counsel and intervention in cases of physical, emotional, or financial abuse of seniors.

Housing and Consumer Advocacy

Stable housing and financial security are vital for the elderly. Sixty Plus advocates for seniors facing challenges in these areas.

• Housing Disputes: assisting with landlord-tenant issues, evictions, and nursing home discharge rights.
• Consumer Protection: Helping seniors resolve disputes regarding debt collection, scams, and unfair business practices.
• Public Benefits: Advising on eligibility and appeals for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits.

A Community Resource

Sixty Plus, Inc. serves residents of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties who are 60 years of age or older. There are no income restrictions for most services, although priority is often given to those with the greatest social and economic need. The clinic’s work is made possible through the support of WMU-Cooley Law School and various grants. If you or a loved one need to find a lawyer who understands the unique legal challenges of aging, Sixty Plus offers a welcoming and professional environment. To order a lawyer consultation or apply for services, contact the clinic directly. Please note that as a student-staffed clinic, case acceptance may depend on the academic calendar and student availability.