Patricia E. Kefalas Dudek is the principal of Patricia E. Kefalas Dudek & Associates and the Past Chair of the Elder Law & Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Her practice concentrates in elder law, Medicaid, estate planning, estates/trust administration, probate, administrative law, and disability advocacy.

Ms. Dudek represents people in securing the support services they need to play, work and live fully in their communities through litigation, trust administration and passionate advocacy.

Her practice includes advising and preparing estate planning documents, including special needs trusts; representation in Medicaid hearings to secure appropriate services, administration of estates, trusts, guardianship, conservatorship, and other protective arrangements, and contested litigation in these areas. As an outspoken advocate, Ms. Dudek often provides written and oral testimony on legal and public policy issues pertaining to her clientele.

A prolific writer and lecturer on topics related to Medicaid, alternatives to guardianship and estate planning for people with disabilities, elders and their right to control their support services, Ms. Dudek was the author of the model contracts for Michigan's Medicaid Self Determination Initiative. These contracts facilitate control over Medicaid service budgets and allows for creative solutions for housing and supports.

Another creative solution used by Ms. Dudek on behalf of her clients is the use of a Pooled Account Trusts for Medicaid planning. She was the first attorney in Michigan to draft one of these trusts and to secure approval for Medicaid by both the Social Security Administration and the State of Michigan. Ms. Dudek advises on the administration of special need trusts in creating public/private solutions for the support service and housing needs of elders and people with disabilities.

See About Patti for more information

Also see Awards and Honors

Professional Memberships and Affiliations:

	Academy of Special Needs Planners (former Advisory Board Member)
	American Bar Association
	Elder Law Answers
	National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
	State Bar of Michigan – Elder Law and Disability Rights Section (Chairperson 2000-2001)
	United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Detroit (Board Member and Chair of Governmental Relations Committee)
	Bonnell Foundation I am on the Board of this non-profit foundation, whose mission is to build relationships between parents of children with cystic fibrosis, especially with parents who have children newly diagnosed.
	The Arc Michigan I am on the Government Affairs Committee of this organization whose mission is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued and that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community.