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Michigan Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Paying 30,000 for a car I bought 2months and it’s not working, single mother and need answers please and help
Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Feb 13, 2023

If you purchased your vehicle "as-is", you may not have a legal avenue to resolve the problems.

I suggest you file a complaint with the BBB and with the State of Michigan to see if they can provide you with some options. If you have a warranty, you should work with the seller or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Lemon Law for Michigan on
Q: Is the owner of the dealership responsible for the seller's actions? If so, where could I find this law for court?

I recently bought a car from a used car dealership in MI that was greatly misrepresented. The seller was just a guy who the owner was allowing to sell cars out of his dealership, not an employee. After many issues, I sued the person and the dealership, and the seller has since fled the country. Is... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jan 17, 2023

Do you have a judgment against the seller? If you do, you may be precluded from now going after the dealer because generally you need to bring in everyone you can when you first file an action. If you don't have a judgment, you will need to somehow legally tie the dealer to the seller.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Michigan on
Q: So my family got behind on our water bill payment. We are still receiving water bills even while it’s off. Is it Legal?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jan 3, 2023

The bills are presumably for the amount owed, which does not go away even when they shut the water off. In most cases, that amount owed becomes a lein on the property, which means it cannot be sold without being paid off.

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Purchased a used vehicle 11/23/22, problems arose after further research about the vehicle history. Can I get a refund?

Seller said nothing wrong with vehicle. Said the trans was rebuilt and had a recent oil change. Upon further inspection AFTER the purchase, break lights don’t work, tailgate sticks/doesn’t stay up, battery needs to be replaced, needs O2 sensor, replace ABS control module, original VIN... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 28, 2022

Unlikely. Is this a private seller? This is a classic caveat emptor situation: until the point where money and title changed hands, you had the ability to investigate, and either negotiate for a lower price or walk away. Unless the seller warranted, guaranteed, or promised you something, I think... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: Need help with Personal & Venue Jurisdiction with multiple parties during online car deal purchase

Purchased car online. Started with Dealer 1, car was at Dealer 2, Dealer 3 also in it & Dealer 3 is parent company of 1&2. Dealer 1&3 live in 1 state, Dealer 2 in 1 state and myself in 1 state. Dealer's 1&3 have branches in many states including mine. Dealer 2 is on Retail... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 6, 2022

You really need to find a lawyer; this is far more complex than you think it is. And if you try doing this on your own, without a full knowledge of the court rules and applicable case law, you are going to find yourself the recipient of a summary disposition, meaning your case will be over before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it illegal to dispute items that are accurate but negative on your credit to qualify for better credit terms?

Is it illegal to get negative items removed from credit and then use that updated credit report to apply for credit?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Nov 4, 2022

Not necessarily illegal, and in fact that is or was a commonly-pushed strategy of credit repair shops. When you dispute an item, the credit bureau contacts the creditor for verification. If no verification is received timely, then the credit bureau is supposed to take it off your report. So the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Does Michigan real estate law have a resend option? What are the qualifications or parameters?

Elderly parents just singed to buy a home. Upon their first night stay, they experienced an overwhelming sewage smell throughout the house. The next day discovered why...the real estate agent did not disclose the issue ...and in fact covered it up with pine sol cleaner and open windows during the... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Oct 31, 2022

I assume you mean rescind not resend.

No you cannot simply 'rescind' a completed transaction. You MAY be able to sue for damages especially if the agent of sellers took some affirmative actions to hide defects and failed to make appropriate disclosures in the paperwork, but...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft, Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for Michigan on
Q: When a debt collector uses a state actor to collect a debt over 6 years old what are they not allowed to do?

The entire transaction was uninformed, no reading or understanding of what was being signed, the resident lured to residential office under false pretenses. The resident was refused copies of what was signed only told it was court documents and therefore can't get a copy of what was signed.... View More

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Dec 2, 2023

I suggest you provide some detail so that a lawyer will have necessary information to help you.

What goods/services did you contract for? Who was the seller/provider of services? What date? Who is the debt collector? How much is the alleged debt? Why are you not responsible for the debt?...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I purchased a lost item from an auction. The original owner is still attached. The item is worth $200.00. Will I go to j
Nico E. Banks
Nico E. Banks
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Your question is cut off, but it seems like you are probably asking whether there could be criminal penalties for keeping a lost item that you purchased. The answer is, it depends. The most important factor may be whether you knew at the time you purchased the item that it belonged to someone other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Litigation and Identity Theft for Michigan on
Q: Is there a deadline/time limit to file a lawsuit?

Someone hacked my Bank of America account and fraudulently transferred $9,800 from my checking account to Mercedes Benz Financial Services in Illinois. Also, the hacker did a balance transfer using my Bank of America credit card for $5,200 at the same time, IP address, city and state. I contacted... View More

Nico E. Banks
Nico E. Banks
answered on Nov 14, 2023

Yes, there is a time limit to file a lawsuit. The exact time limit will depend on what causes of action you state (e.g., which consumer protection laws you invoke). It would be rare for the time limit to be less than a year, but acting sooner is always better.

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Consumer Law, Banking and Insurance Defense for Michigan on
Q: Can my lending bank add insurance cost to my account for retroactive insurance?

I purchased a used truck in May 2023. As usual, I called the insurance company to add it to my policy on May 17, 2023, the date I purchased the truck. A couple months later, I received a letter from my bank stating that since they didn't receive documentation of insurance on my truck, that... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 17, 2023

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It isn't fully clear what caused the misunderstanding here - a local attorney could probably sort out better after reviewing the file in detail. But a financial institution can require insurance. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: what remedy for small claims plaintiff in Michigan, the judge has not yet opined, it's been 90 days

Plaintiff submitted ample documentation of claim including photos, written estimates, etc...against defendenat who was licensed builder. Defendant submitted obvious false receipts from day job as ServPro Project Manager to retain over $4K

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 29, 2023

Have you had a hearing yet? That's when decisions are made.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Insurance Bad Faith for Michigan on
Q: What's the paper work that I need to file in court forcing HOA , doctors, facility or Insurance to perform their duty
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 25, 2023

A Michigan attorney could answer best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It could depend on the context. In some cases, the paperwork can include legal filings to place a denied claim into suit if an insurance carrier will not pay a legitimate claim. But this is only a general... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: I took my car to a repair place in Michigan and I was not given an estimate of the repairs needed until 180 days after

They did the repairs but I didn’t have a chance to tell them rather or not I wanted the extra work they did done now I have a high bill. I was going to apply for a loan but I wanted to see my car first they told me it wasn’t there but in their storage wherever that is, they also said they... View More

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Jun 27, 2023

If the "repair place" performed repairs that were not authorized by you, I suggest you file a complaint with the State of Michigan Attorney General. Michigan will investigate your complaint and contact the repair place.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Lemon Law for Michigan on
Q: Vehicle under warranty needs new engine thats taking 9 months to fix. Company offering $60/day for rental but I pay fees

Vehicle went in for routine oil change to dealer. Was told I need a new engine. Dealer has no loaners. Car manufacturer customer service offered $60/day for rental but says I’m responsible for taxes and fees from the rental. For 9 month rental replacing a 6 passenger car costs $18k-$24k with... View More

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Mar 23, 2023

I suggest you contact an auto warranty lawyer to review your issue on more detail.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for someone who isnt an employee at a restaurant to open up someone elses bill and look at their receipt?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 26, 2023

Probably not illegal or unlawful, but certainly not good social graces. The question for you, though, is why care if someone else bothers to look as long as they're not doing so to steal your information.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Products Liability for Michigan on
Q: If someone over 21 orders and consumes an alcohol beverage at a restaurant, can a minor pay for the bill?

No minor in no way orders or consumes the beverage, but picks up the tab. IE a minor takes their parents out for dinner.

Dana B. Carron
Dana B. Carron
answered on Feb 13, 2023

Money is money. There would be no problem with the minor paying for the bill.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: does a foreign llc in michigan with certificate of authority for xyz llc. need dba if using another name

Specifically, MICHIGAN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT (EXCERPT)

Act 23 of 1993, requires the following.

Sec. 206. (1) A domestic or foreign limited liability company may transact business under an assumed name or names other than its name as set forth in its articles of organization... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Jan 28, 2023

According to the sections you cited, yes, which is consistent with the statutory scheme.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: My dad died. I have his car. He got several letters stating the car was paid off. Then they said it wasn't.Legal status?

If it's put in writing that it's paid off can I use that legally or do I have to still pay what they now say is owed ($1500)?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jan 19, 2023

No one can give a definite answer without seeing the writing and determining who it's from. The best place to start would be the secretary of state to see if their records show a lien on file.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: which lawer do i get in contact with to help me getting my gun rights restoration
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 8, 2022

There are attorneys who specialize in this, but generally, any criminal or appellant lawyer could assist.

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