News & Resources

After a rancorous political campaign season, I read the Court of Appeals opinion in Bedford v Witte and Hoyer with great interest. In both political campaigns and litigation, broad and emotional allegations are often made. While there are few rules for political campaigns, there are boundaries for statements by attorneys and other persons about public… continue reading

If you want to build a new house, there are a number of factors you need to verify. Assumptions can lead to problems or at least added cost. –To know if you can legally build what you want, check zoning and private restrictions. You may find you cannot build that accessory building you want. –Verify… continue reading

A national survey found that 51% of employees were not engaged in their job last year. Even worse, 17.5% were actively disengaged. These were the highest levels measured since 2000. This issue of engaging employees combined with a 3.2% unemployment rate in the local economy creates significant challenges for companies. Business owners know that attracting,… continue reading

OSHA, the federal agency that creates and enforces worker safety rules, has new rules going into effect on December 1, 2016. Michigan has an OSHA-approved state plan, so the Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration applies to most employers in the State of Michigan. However, the federal government retains enforcement of the anti-retaliation provisions of… continue reading

In writing legal agreements, it is best to be clear. Often this means that lawyers use legal jargon because courts have already ruled what such jargon means. But legal jargon used incorrectly can make trouble. An easement agreement created an “exclusive” access easement was “for the sole and exclusive use” of both the grantor’s and… continue reading

Cunningham Dalman partner, Vince Duckworth, was selected to officiate the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Division 1 Football Championship this past Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. This is one of the highest honors awarded to officials. We are excited for him and proud of his dedication to the sport. Along with his role as… continue reading

Business owners are faced with putting out fires each and every day. Since their time and resources are limited, they have to prioritize which ones are worth dealing with right then and there and which ones they should develop a plan or structure to put them out in the future. Legal “fires” for business owners… continue reading

I was having coffee with a friend a few days ago and he said he bought real property at an auction after a tax foreclosure. They were puzzled because he was told that the County Treasurer acquired clear title to the property in a tax foreclosure. He received a deed from the treasurer. But a… continue reading

Most folks are aware that the Michigan Legislature has provided for personal orders in cases of domestic violence or stalking. After years of effort, women’s groups finally succeeded in gaining strong and automatically enforceable relief to protect them. Although certain organizations have worked to undermine these protections, they continue and continue to be expanded. Our… continue reading

This area is blessed to have so many generous business owners and individuals who support local charities and faith organizations. I’m most commonly advising clients on how to leave a certain amount of money or a percentage of their estate to these organizations upon their passing (as opposed to during their life). However, with the… continue reading