An easement is generally described as a nonpossessory interest in another person's land usually stemming from a want or need to use someone else's land for which the other person does not have ownership. Basically, an easement allows the holder to use the property, but prevents them from excluding others from the land.
Michigan court denies benefits in frozen sperm case
The determination of heirs is not always a cut-and-dried process. When disputes arise, probate courts oversee estate administration and are often called in to determine how wills, estates and benefits will be divided amongst heirs. Those who are attempting to unravel the will of a deceased loved one should seek to understand how current laws and rulings may affect their cases.
Redevelopment given green light on 109 acres of land
Residents of Huntington Woods here in Michigan are no strangers to the fact that real estate properties are always evolving, changing the appearance of a town or city, always hopefully for the better. But what many people may not know is that the process is not as simple as just handing over a deed. Often times, a city council must decide what is best for the community, sometimes changing an area of land to something completely different than what it once was.
Legal mistakes to avoid when becoming a landlord
So you've decided to own your own commercial property and become a landlord. You may already be aware of the main things you'll be responsible for: handling rent payments, maintenance issues, etc. But what you might not be aware of is that there are extensive legal requirements you're responsible for as well.
Lincoln's unwise decision
An estate plan provides guidance to families going through a difficult time. Sometimes, serious illnesses or injuries can occur without warning, leaving once-healthy people unable to state their final wishes. An effective estate plan will save grieving loved ones the added stress of figuring out the wishes of the deceased, dividing assets amicably, and avoiding overpayment of taxes.
Can you avoid falling over the fiscal cliff with a short sale?
If there is one thing that has the entire nation on edge it's the uncertainty of the fiscal cliff. With the federal budget still in limbo, homeowners who are still paying on mortgages they may not be able to afford fear that soon, the coming of the New Year could mean an increase in their taxable income.
Detroit pushes for new agricultural zoning laws
Whenever city officials begin talking about changes to zoning laws, it's always a concern of residents as to what will be "moving in" next door to them. But what if your new neighbor turns out to be a community garden? Or perhaps what is now being dubbed an "urban farm?" What would you think then?
Estate tax exemptions to expire, future tax implications unknown
The expiration of the Bush tax cuts in 2013 has left many Michigan residents wondering what the future holds for federal estate tax exemptions. If Congress is not able to work out a deal with regard to these exemptions, the inheritance tax implications are going to affect many estate planning professionals and their clients in the upcoming year.
Tenants relocate because building's too expensive to update
Many people in Michigan know how difficult it is to find a place to live the first time let alone multiple times after that. Finding the right place with the right amount of space for the right amount of money can be difficult, if not daunting at times. But what if you were told that you had to move? What would you do then?
City negotiates purchase of sculpture park
An interesting story out of Minnesota may give readers of our blog here in Michigan more information about real estate transactions and how property can be transferred from private ownership to public ownership.
Fidelity study identifies estate-planning issues
Estate planning requires the use of legal instruments, such as wills and trusts, to implement an individual's wishes after they die. It's a very important consideration in a person's life, but a recent study by Fidelity Investment shows many parents do not discuss their estate planning needs adequately with their adult children.
Sierra Club denied injunctive relief against waste disposal facility
Many people in Michigan may be familiar with the non-profit organization the Sierra Club that prides itself in promoting conservation and preservation of the earth's ecosystems and resources. Some people can say they know this from looking at the organization's website, but some know this because of the recent media attention the group has been getting after several judges have turned down injunctions proposed by the group.
What you need to know about tenant eviction
Thousands of people across the state of Michigan are currently renting a property, and all of those people have more than likely signed some form of a lease agreement with their landlord. But there is the very likely possibility that a majority of those people did not read all of the fine print before they put pen to paper.
Couple sues gas company for breach of contract
It's very rarely a surprise to some Michigan farmers when companies and land developers come to their properties and ask to use some of their land. Whether it be for resources or because they want to outright buy it, these businesses must enter into a agreement with the property owner and generally sign a contract once all the Ts have been crossed.
