“Bankruptcy, Death, and Probate”

Bankruptcy, License Restoration

BANKRUPTCY, DEATH, AND PROBATE In a Chapter 7 (liquidating) bankruptcy proceeding, it is often said the creditors are fighting over a corpse. On occasion, however, a person will be in the midst of a bankruptcy proceeding and suddenly pass away. The question then...

“Divorce and Estate Planning”

Divorce & Family Law, License Restoration

DIVORCE and ESTATE PLANNING Quite often I am asked by individuals who have recently gone through a divorce: “Do I have to do anything about my estate plan now that I am no longer married?” The answer often depends upon whether they have a Will or Trust Agreement...

“Driver’s License Appeals to the Circuit Court”

License Restoration

DRIVER’S LICENSE APPEALS TO THE CIRCUIT COURT So, you have gone through an administrative hearing before an Administrative Law Judge with the Drivers Assessment Appeal Division of the Michigan Secretary of State in an attempt to get your driving privileges...

“Tax Uncapping – The Commonly Controlled Entity Exception”

Real Estate

Tax Uncapping – The Commonly Controlled Entity Exception Some time ago I wrote on real property tax uncapping and exceptions to transfers to relatives within a certain degree of residential real property. Recently, the Michigan Court of Appeals dealt with a similar...

“Lady Bird Deeds – What Are They and Why Should I Care?”

Probate & Estate Administration

LADY BIRD DEEDS – WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY SHOULD I CARE ? Michigan, and most other states, recognize what are commonly called “Lady Bird” or enhanced life estate deeds.  These are deeds that are typically drafted for estate planning purposes, designed to place title to...