Most landlord/tenant issues can be avoided when leases and contracts are well-prepared and both sides are clear about responsibilities and expectations. However, even when there are leases in place, landlord/tenant disputes or a landlord’s disregard for outlined responsibilities can occur and require legal intervention. Apartment tenants in Michigan are currently
When creating estate plans, families often make provisions for minor children, including the financial care and guardianship of those minors. However, minors grow up and often head to college. When a Michigan family sends a now-grown child to college, it may be the perfect time to sit down and rethink an
The buying, selling and renting of residential real estate property is a legal transaction, one that may be the most valuable transaction you make. Just like any other legal transaction, a residential real estate transaction can become complex and require legal intervention in the way of negotiations or litigation. Michigan homeowners
Just as everyone’s estate is unique and valuable to them and their family, the process of creating an estate plan also needs to be unique and address the individual needs of those who are affected by that estate. However, many people think the process simply entails creating a will to
A year after his death, the family left behind by comedian Robin Williams is still having a dispute over items and funds the comic left behind. The inheritance dispute has been ongoing, and both sides will be meeting soon in order to come to some kind of resolution. The dispute
It is estimated that a large majority of young people have not thought about estate planning. The creation of an estate plan is often thought of as an elderly issue or an undertaking to be tackled once a certain level of wealth or assets has been accrued. However, young adults
Just as with virtually any legal situation, litigation related to real estate transactions or disagreements can be based on a variety of factors. Because any real estate litigation situation in Michigan can become complex, legal support may be necessary to ensure fairness and a timely resolution. Support and guidance becomes
Despite the best intentions of a family member, there are many circumstances that can lead to family strife or legal disputes after a loved one has died. While every Michigan family may be vastly different, there are common reasons or mistakes that may lead a family to deal with a
Having an estate plan in place long before it is needed is a responsible step most people take the time to make. However, there may still be room for mistakes or mishaps even after a person has had an estate plan drafted and put into effect. By drafting a comprehensive
Creating a trust and managing a trust can be an ideal way to handle assets and funds for loved ones. However, trust management responsibilities should be taken very seriously and require an understanding of the different types of trusts that may suit different needs. Michigan families may want to explore
Most people may know it is important to have a will to express one’s last wishes in the event of a passing. But, knowing you need a will and knowing just how important a will is to the protection of a family inheritance can be two different things. Anyone in
For most, a real estate transaction can be the biggest financial transaction they pursue. Whether a person or family is on the buying side or selling side, real estate transactions in Michigan can benefit from the support and guidance of legal professionals. While each transaction can be vastly different, there
Someone may work tirelessly for years or decades to create a fortune or amass a certain amount of assets. Deciding how distribute those assets or fortune to loved ones as an inheritance can be a highly personal and creative endeavor. One father recently made news in Michigan because of the
It is wrong to assume that only married couples with children and a significant amount of assets should worry about creating an estate plan. Any single adult who has assets in his or her name needs to ensure an estate plan is in place, and the plan needs to reflect
All estate plans are highly personal, yet many people fall prey to the same common mistakes when drafting their plans. By being aware of the most common mistakes found in estate plans, Michigan families can prevent those mistakes from causing problems after loved ones have passed. These common estate plan
Owning and renting a vacation home anywhere may not be all it is cracked up to be for either the owner or the renter, especially when disputes or disagreements arise and adequate legal protection is not in place. Having clear expectations as to the landlord/tenant relationship and agreements can help
When a landlord decides to sell a building, the fate of those who live there can get complicated. A dispute may erupt and halt the plans if tenants feel blindsided or unfairly treated by the owner of the building. Michigan elderly who live in senior living facilities may not be
There is no such thing as a standard estate plan or plan for dealing with an inheritance. Each family’s needs are unique, and anything pertaining to an inheritance should reflect that individuality. Just as an inheritance in Michigan may need to be customized, it’s also important to periodically review an
Not all estate plans are alike, just as no two women are alike. The process of creating an estate plan is highly personal for anyone, and women may have unique challenges as they move forward with that process. Michigan women who have not created an estate plan or who have
An individual or family may work for years or even generations to establish a successful small business. If the owner or owners fail to have a comprehensive and smart estate plan in place early on, that small business can be at risk for failure in the event that an owner
Once a loved one passes, the ensuing process of probate can either be smooth or it can be contentious and lead to family strife. With the proper guidance and legal assistance, the probate process does not have to become a probate litigation situation for grieving Michigan families. Legal assistance can
For family-owned businesses, issues of succession form the center of all estate planning efforts. The manner in which a business is handed down differs for every family, and there is no such thing as a one-size fits-all legacy solution. When addressing the issue, Michigan families should take the time to
For many Michigan residents, the primary purpose of estate planning is to ensure that their loved ones are looked after, and that assets are passed down in the manner of one’s choosing. This process rarely includes making provisions for a former spouse. Even so, many people will unexpectedly leave their
A residential real estate transaction is a legal process that follows the same basic procedures as any other legal contract. Regardless of whether a residential real estate deal is for a primary home or a vacation home, the contract needs to be reviewed and examined by a legal professional, as
Regardless of the size of an estate or anyone’s age, having a will drafted is a smart and vital part of being an adult. Many people put off the process of creating a will out of fear or trepidation of thinking about the inevitable. However, every adult in Michigan should
Renters expect their landlords will provide a safe and peaceful place for them to live. When there is a landlord/tenant dispute, tenants may feel there is no other way to protect their rights as a group. Renters in Michigan and elsewhere who feel their landlord has violated their rights or intimidated
The task of creating a comprehensive estate plan can be overwhelming and confusing for some. Breaking up the creation of an estate plan into steps is recommended as a way to tackle the process and ensure it is done correctly. Similarly, it is important for Michigan families to weed out steps
In urban areas where buildings are in close proximity, shared space or attached elements of a building may be a source of contention or even possibly a legal dispute between building owners. For one pair of building owners in another state, the location, condition and purpose of a newly discovered
While the importance of drafting a will can’t be overstated, there are incidents where the presence of a will does nothing to stop family disputes from unfolding after a death. This can be true especially between children after the death of a parent in Michigan. A recent will challenge is
Some people may wrongfully assume the estate planning process is for families with children or couples with valuable assets to divvy up or protect for the other party’s future. Everyone, particularly single Michigan residents, needs to ensure that a proper and well-thought-out estate plan is in place as soon as
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