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Questions Answered by Brent T. Geers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Michigan on
Q: My baby's father took my baby, is refusing to let me see her, & the police won't let me. What can I do?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 5, 2024

You need a court order. The police will otherwise not interfere.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: if I was a victim of domestic violence 3 years ago from my son's father and I have multiple photographs of The assault,

but in fear for my life never reported the abuse, then this year he called the cops lying saying i attacked him and had me arrested based on an audio recording from a fight a verbal argument when he crashed and hacked into my Wi-Fi breaking my new router but didn't have any physical evidence... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 5, 2024

You could try, but I doubt a prosecutor would want to charge something like.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Someone said they are going to file a police report on me for something I didn't do. What to expect?

I was in a public park shooting spiders with a salt gun. It's a harmless toy that's not illegal to use in Michigan. A man was recording me and said he was going to report me to the police because he accused me of theft and vandalism. Apparently his belongings got stolen and the bathroom... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 5, 2024

IF he actually contacts the police, the police will likely either try contacting you to see what you have to say or may decide not to pursue criminal charges - in which case you may never hear about this again.

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I be held financially responsible if my mom hurts someone when driving in an accident?

She recently moved in with me due to health issues. I don’t feel she should be driving. I’ve been told if she hurts someone I can be held financially responsible. I’m in Michigan. She’s 84.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 2, 2024

To the extent you own the vehicle she may be driving, then yes.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Michigan on
Q: Can police run your plate while moving in Michigan
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 1, 2024

Absolutely. In fact, some departments and areas have license plate scanners mounted on vehicles they can use to just drive around a parking lot of run all plates almost instantly.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: I'm in MI. I live in a small condo complex. A cluster mailbox was installed that violates federal regulations.

I am trying to find legal help in my area, I have sent out this problem to a couple of firms, no answer. Possibly I need to know what type of lawyer deals with this type of problem. The regulation being violated is the that the lowest floor of a mailbox for residential use must be no lower than 28... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Are you part of an association? I imagine your best - or at least your first - course of action would be to address this with the association.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Michigan on
Q: Do you have to fill out probate form 574 and give it to a publishing paper even if there are no creditors
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 24, 2024

Generally yes. It prevents unknown creditors from making a claim long after you believe the estate is resolved.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Michigan on
Q: My ex husband was awarded custody in 2021 despite his felony arrears of over 50,000.

Friend of the Court has done nothing to enforce support except issue a bench warrant in 2017 which is currently active. I'd appreciate any thoughts regarding best course of action in regards to the felony arrears.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 23, 2024

Custody - and parenting time - have nothing to do with child support obligations. If you know he has an active bench warrant, you can contact the local police department.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: If I am an estranged next of kin, can I walk away from handling all of the deceased property/bills/creditors?

I am not speaking with my mother. When I was, she wouldn't have a will notarized or witnessed so I don't think she has one now. She is a hoarder and I am disabled, so I don't believe I can or should have to clean anything up after she passes. What are my options in Michigan?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 23, 2024

You are not obligated to do so. Does she own her residence? Eventually so other entity (e.g., bank, city, creditors) will take over, clean everything out, etc. But don't expect anything if that's the route you go.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: I was in a relationship for over 8 years but never got married. We are now breaking up. what are my option on this house

I was in a relationship for over 8 years and engaged but never got married. During this relationship me and my partner bought a house but my name was not on the title and mortgage but I paid half towards everything i.e mortgage, utilities, property tax etc. We are now breaking up. Can you let me... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 18, 2024

I'm afraid you don't have many good options outside of what you may be able to negotiate. Legally, you are a tenant. While you certainly are not obligated for the mortgage or taxes, you're also not entitled to any share of the equity. Had your name also been on the deed, then you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Wrongful Death for Michigan on
Q: Forgery on a Will

My Uncle, died in a gas Explosion, that should have been under investigation cause he had dinner at the Mayor's house and the Mayor, was going to be out of his job next day, when my uncle went home his house exploded, 2010, I just knowest recently that some of the signatures are not his cause... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 16, 2024

You need a lot more than a hunch or suspicion of forgery. This would need to be proved, in court, through an expert handwriting analyst - which costs a lot of money that you, as the person thinking this happened, would have to pay.

So, consider whether it's worth it to fight this...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan on
Q: I tried to file in my dads estate against my sister but was told i needed the proper paperwork. Course they would not

Me what that paperwork was. She is mismanaging the estate. Thanks.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 16, 2024

You'll probably want to engage an attorney to help you with this. Quite frankly, it's an uphill battle to have a personal representative removed. "Mismanagement" can take the form of simply making decisions you don't agree with or non-compliance with the court rules... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal to add names to a piece of property to persuade a vote?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 15, 2024

Your question is too vague to answer effectively. Are you talking political elections or a vote among owners?

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: HOW DO I FIND MICHIGAN CASE LAW FROM 2018
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 11, 2024

Lots of places - some better than others. Justia, Google Scholar, and a host of other sources are freely available online. Your local library may also have free access to Westlaw or Lexis Nexis.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Michigan on
Q: On chapter 7, do I include my father and his Social Security? He pays his own bills and I pay mine
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 11, 2024

You should consult with a bankruptcy attorney on this first, but ordinarily, you would need to declare you receive some form of financial assistance or income from him, which is different from the entirety of his social security.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: If I suspect forgery in the transfer of a deed property, what course of action should I take to stop the sale of the p
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 8, 2024

You'll want to engage a real estate attorney quickly who can advise you whether and how to stop the closing. With the money and other legal stakes involved, this is not something you just do hoping your suspicions are accurate.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Foreclosure for Michigan on
Q: My family's house was foreclosed ~10 years ago. A friend paid under mkt value, promising I could buy it back for same $

Is this legal? Could you point me to any relevant statutes too? Is the promise enforceable (nothing written so I guess no)?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 3, 2024

The friend can promise you anything, but for it to be enforceable in court, you would have to satisfy the statute of frauds that when it comes to land and real property, must be in writing for them to be enforceable.

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: With a lump sum severance payment, can it be offset if I find new employment within a certain time frame?

My employment was terminated effective immediately (7/1/24). I was offered a severance package with a one time lump sum payment. It states in there though that "payment will be offset by the gross income earned by you from employment or self-employment during the time in which the payment is... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 2, 2024

Possibly. It sounds like they certainly have the right to do so. Will they is another question.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Land Use & Zoning for Michigan on
Q: Is there value for a deed for interment rights for 4 plots at Arborcrest Cemetery purchased in 1956 in Ann Arbor?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 2, 2024

Probably. Call the cemetery and find out. They would probably pay you something so that they can sell those spaces to someone else.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can I get evicted from a house I never rented I stayed there with the landlord.
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 2, 2024

Yes. When it comes to real property, you're either an owner, tenant, or occupant. When you are not the owner, you can be evicted.

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