Sovereign citizens are a loose grouping of litigants, tax protestors and con artists who claim to be answerable only to a particular interpretation of common law, constitutions, statutes or court rules. They believe they should decide what laws to obey and...
Property Law
What Is A “Lion Cub” Deed?
A controversial topic in Michigan estate planning is the use of a “lion cub” deed as a method to transfer property to others while accomplishing three major goals simultaneously: probate avoidance, property tax uncapping, and minimizing Medicaid divestment...
What Are The Rules For Burying Dead Pets On Your Property In Michigan?
When a beloved pet dies, many people consider burying their pet’s body in their backyard. However, if you choose to dispose of your pet in this manner, you need to be aware of state and local laws and regulations governing animal carcasses. Failure to comply...
What Are The Grounds To Sue For Waste In Michigan?
Waste is a legal claim made against an individual causing injury to structures on land that results in damages to another person. A claim of waste is distinct from other property claims like trespass or waste in that a person liable for waste is in lawful...
What Are The Rules Regarding Open Burning In Michigan?
Open burning is the act of setting fire to unwanted paper, garbage, debris, trees, branches or lawn for disposal where the smoke and emissions are released directly into the open air. For rural areas without trash removal service, burning brush and garbage...
What Is A Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure In Michigan (And Is It A Good Idea)?
If you fail to make payments on your home mortgage and go into default, then your lender is likely to initiate foreclosure proceedings to seize the property. If the borrower cannot pull together the funds to cure the default, then it is just a matter of time...
What is a Quitclaim Deed In Michigan?
If you own a parcel of real estate in Michigan, you likely have a written deed in your possession that formally conveys title to you. This document contains the name of the grantors and grantees of the property, the legal description of the real estate, and...
What Are My Rights For Water Drainage To And From My Real Property In Michigan?
Water from rainfall or snowmelt flows wherever gravity will take it without regard to property boundaries. The natural formation of the ground will generally determine how water will drain from a landowner’s property into the neighboring parcels (and vice...
What Is A Warranty Deed In Michigan?
If you own a parcel of real estate in Michigan, you likely have a written deed in your possession that formally conveys title to you. This document contains the name of the grantors and grantees of the property, the legal description of the real estate, and...
Are There Legal Restrictions To Homeowners Or Tenants Opening Their Home To Short-Term Rentals In Michigan?
Short terms rentals have become a new and easy method for some homeowners to generate extra income by renting out their home while they are away for a few days or even a few weeks. In the last 10 years, websites such as AirBNB, Booking.com, FlipKey, HomeAway,...
