Law Office of Michael J. Hengst

02/19/2026

In the event of an emergency, taking the right steps can save lives and get help where it is needed most.

Whether it is a car accident, fall, or other injury, here are key steps to take in an emergency:

🔹Call 911 immediately. Stay calm, describe the situation clearly, and give your exact location.
🔹Get medical help first. Even seemingly minor injuries should be checked by professionals.
🔹Document the scene. If it is safe, take photos and note details, such as weather, time, and witness information.
🔹Avoid discussing fault. Only share facts with police and emergency responders.
🔹Call our team next. We can guide you through the process, help preserve evidence, and protect your rights.

Today and every day, we encourage you to prioritize safety, call 911 in an emergency, and advocate for yourself if you are injured. Give us a call anytime if we can be of help.

02/09/2026

When life takes an unexpected turn, do you know who will make decisions for you if you are unable to? That is where a power of attorney (POA) comes in. A POA is a legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf. Swipe to learn more.

Choosing the right type of POA ensures your wishes are honored and your affairs are managed in accordance with your values. Call us today to get started.

02/04/2026

Despite laws requiring insurance, some U.S. drivers are uninsured. If you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, your path to compensation may look different, but there are still options available. Swipe to learn more.

If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, don’t navigate the recovery process alone. Contact us today.

02/02/2026

Social Security Update During Government Shutdown

The federal government is in a partial shutdown, but Social Security and SSI payments will continue on time. No action is required from beneficiaries.
Local SSA offices are open with limited services, but you can still apply for benefits, update direct deposit info, request appeals, replace lost payments, get a new Social Security card, and more.
Some services—like proof of benefits letters and earnings record updates—are temporarily unavailable until the government fully reopens.
Hearings before Administrative Law Judges are still being held.
For faster service, use your my Social Security account: www.ssa.gov/myaccount
Shutdown info: www.ssa.gov/agency/shutdown
If you run into issues, reach out—we’re here to help.

my Social Security | Open a my Social Security account today and rest easy knowing that you're in control of your future.

01/22/2026

For parents of young children, estate planning is not just about passing down assets. It’s about protecting your children, ensuring they are cared for by the people you trust most, and giving yourself much-needed peace of mind. Swipe through for estate planning steps parents should consider.

If you have questions about setting up or revising your estate plan, give us a call. We are here to help.

01/20/2026

The start of a new year brings a fresh perspective — making it the perfect time to revisit your power of attorney (POA).

As a reminder, a POA is a simple legal document that allows someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to.

If your life changed in 2025, whether from marriage, divorce, new family members, or health shifts, you should think about revisiting who you want to handle important matters if you’re unable to.

For assistance starting or reviewing your POA document or other estate planning documents, give us a call. We’re here to help ensure your wishes are protected and your family’s future secured.

01/13/2026

A new year presents a perfect chance to reassess your estate plan.

Significant life events — like marriage, divorce, welcoming a child, or losing a loved one — often require crucial updates. Additionally, even in the absence of personal changes, recent legal updates related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may impact your plan.

Our firm is dedicated to making sure your plan aligns with your current wishes and the evolving legal landscape. Schedule your estate plan review today!

01/08/2026

We understand how overwhelming it can feel to face a legal battle, especially when finances are tight. That’s why our firm only gets paid if you recover compensation — whether through a settlement or court judgment.

This contingency fee arrangement allows you to focus on healing while we fight for the justice you deserve. Here’s a bit more about this arrangement’s benefits:

✔ No upfront costs — we cover the risk.
✔ Our goals are directly aligned with yours.
✔ Access to top-tier legal representation regardless of your financial situation.

Have questions about how this works or whether it’s right for your case? Our team is here to provide clarity and guide you every step of the way. Give us a call.

12/17/2025

Accidents during the holiday season can happen when least expected, amid winter weather or crowded roads. Knowing the correct steps to protect your rights and well-being makes all the difference.

Swipe through to learn more ➡️ If you’ve been involved in a crash and need legal support, give us a call. We are here for you.

12/12/2025

As we prepare to enter a new year, it is an ideal time for homeowners to take inventory of their important real estate documents. Having these materials properly organized can help simplify tax preparation, support future transactions, and ensure peace of mind should unexpected needs arise.

Swipe for a helpful list of the key documents every homeowner should keep on file — and consider reviewing and updating annually.

For questions about property documentation or real estate legal matters, our team is here to assist. Give us a call anytime.

12/08/2025

The holidays bring families together — and provide a rare chance for meaningful conversations about the future. Swipe for estate planning questions worth asking around the table this season.

Want support in these conversations or have other estate planning questions or needs? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help.

12/02/2025

As 2026 approaches, now is the ideal time to revisit your estate plan and ensure everything aligns with your current wishes and circumstances ✅

Swipe for what our team can cover with you in your annual estate plan review.

If you are ready to get the ball rolling on your estate plan update or if you’d like to create an estate plan, reach out. We’re here to help you start the new year on the right foot.