Brumbaugh Law Firm is an estate and elder care planning law firm focused on helping people through the complex and confusing maze of balancing the desire to live independently as long as possible while preserving the family assets from the cost of probate and long-term care. While these are the faces you may deal with and see, Brumbaugh Law Firm has several other team members that are not client facing working behind the scenes.
About Michael L. Brumbaugh, Co., LPA
After opening his office, Michael discovered his passion was helping people with their estate planning. As time went on, he discovered that while helping people with traditional estate planning focused on what happens happens upon death was very important, it failed to address the problems that occur when a family faces long term care issues. As a result, Michael now also assists clients in developing plans that answer the following crucial question: What happens, if prior to passing, you need long term care that may last for months and even years? He is a member of Elder Counsel, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law attorneys where he served as the organization’s President from 2011 to 2013. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and a graduate of the Veteran’s Benefit Institute and is an accredited attorney with the Veteran’s Administration.
Michael practices in the areas of estate planning and elder law, helping clients and their families to integrate their legal, financial, and personal care needs into a plan to enhance the quality of life for seniors, those with disabilities, and their families. He assists families to protect assets, coordinate care, and gain peace of mind.
He is a frequent speaker and presenter to seniors, caregivers, support groups, and the general public. He does monthly workshops to educate people on the pitfalls to avoid when planning and how to protect themselves and their families.
He is also an author and co-author of several books.
Co-author, “Don’t Go Broke in a Nursing Home!”
Co-author, “Tax-Free Money for Long-Term Care”
Co-Author, “You’re Not Alone: Living as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver”
Co-Author, “You’re Not Alone: Living with Alzheimer’s Disease”
Co-Author, “You’re Not Alone: Living with Dementia”
Pamela J. Brumbaugh, LSW, CDP, CADDCT, & Director of Client Services
Pam leads the long term care team and works closely with families dealing Alzheimer’s, dementia or other types of debilitating illnesses seeking long term care and Medicaid to provide a range of services, including: 1) short term counseling and guidance regarding long term care options; 2) assistance in applying for Medicaid including reviewing documents to determine if they will comply with Medicaid rules, assisting with strategy, and working with Medicaid caseworkers; and 3) care management and navigation services. Pam is knowledgeable of the community and can assist families as they navigate the myriad of community services.
Pam is an active member of the local Financial Abuse Task Forces and the Bridge Network (a group of long term care organizations ).
Previously, Pam served as: Executive Director of United Way of Erie County Victim Assistance Director for the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office to assist victims of crime navigating the criminal justice system; social worker for Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter assisting victims of violence; and, social worker/discharge planner for Fisher Titus Hospital and Norwalk Memorial Home. Pam has a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bowling Green State University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Cleveland State University. Pam is an active Rotarian with the Sandusky Rotary Club and is a Community Educator for the NW Ohio Alzheimer’s Association. She is a life-long resident of Sandusky. She and Michael have 2 daughters, Deidre Windau and Amanda Fitzthum. Amanda also works at the Firm.
Amanda Fitzthum
Amanda is the daughter of Michael and Pam. She returned to the area from Raleigh, North Carolina to work at the Firm. She is married to Josh and has two fur babies.
Kris Andrews
Maris Brenner
Always happy and helpful, she welcomes clients and keeps communications flowing. She assists with many other tasks in our offices, including keeping everything running smoothly.
A resident of Sandusky, Maris retired from Kalahari Resort in 2016 where she led the Sales & Marketing team for ten years and worked as Community Relations Director in her last two years. She is an active member of the Sandusky Rotary Club and in 2018-2019 served as District Governor for Rotary 6600 traveling to 63 clubs in Ohio. She also served on the Ohio Travel Association statewide Board of Directors and on the United Way of Erie County and Lake Erie Shores and Islands Board for multiple years.
She is an avid Fantasy Football Player loves the lake, and is still learning how to understand her “Bitty Kitty”.
Tyrene Martheze
Before joining Brumbaugh Law Firm, Tyerene worked at a Multinational Pharmaceutical company for 13 years, as a Personal Assistant/Department Secretary for 10 years and then a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for 3 years. Tyerene enjoys reading, painting and spending time with her “Furry Kid” Zues, Athena and Nyx.
Susan Strickfaden
Sheryl Bulatao Jr.
She loves going to the gym and hiking but a day with her dogs on the beach is happiness for me.
Suzan Nieset
Over the course of her career, she has developed a deep empathy of the hardships families face and she is dedicated to helping guide and support folks through those challenging times. She joined Brumbaugh Law Firm in January, 2023.
Although a native of Ohio, Suzan raised her family in Georgia where they spent endless hours at Lake Lanier. Although she is an “Ohio State Buckeye” by birth, both she and her son, Tom, are devoted Georgia Bulldog fans (“Go Dawgs!”). Outside the office she enjoys spending time with family and friends. If you can’t find her try the nearest lake or ocean!
Seth Arcillas Jr.
Candece Daly
Candece spends most of her time reading business and investments books and enjoys binge-watching legal movies series. She has dog named Alexander from the Broadway American Musical ``Hamilton``, an indication that she is a huge fan of the Theater.
