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Michigan Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: What to do about offensive note "black cow" on receipt at restaurant?

I received a receipt after a purchase at a restaurant, and someone had written "black cow" on it. I am African American, and I'm concerned this might have been directed at me personally. I haven't asked the restaurant staff about it yet. What should be my next steps?

0 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Michigan on
Q: Is white underglow legal on a 2015 Sierra 2500 in Michigan?

I want to know if it's legal to install white underglow on my 2015 Sierra 2500 in Michigan for aesthetic purposes. I've checked various sources and haven't found anything indicating that it's illegal. Could you provide clarification on this in relation to Michigan's vehicle code?

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Gaming for Michigan on
Q: Legal question about casino incident and arrest legality in Michigan.

I was at a casino where I was told by a worker I would need to leave for 24 hours if I swore again after I made a comment about their games. I didn't swear again, but called the worker a "mean little troll." She claimed I used a bad word with "troll" and called the police.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Do I need to file a motion to amend before serving complaint in Michigan?

Am I required to file a motion to amend and a brief prior to the complaint being served on defendants if I plan to amend the complaint by attaching it as Exhibit A in the Eastern District Court of Michigan? Also, do I need to add additional statements of claims for new counts?

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Is spending from joint account considered stealing in marriage?

I have a debit card in my name and am on the checks for a joint account that is technically in my husband's name. Although mostly his paycheck goes into the account, we might have added some mutual money as well. We are not separated or going through a divorce. My husband claims that if I... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Feb 27, 2025

No, he is not correct. The bank is authorized to honor a withdrawal or check drawn by either account holder. It is possible for the joint account holders to have an agreement between them as to the use of the funds, so your spending might violate an agreement, which one might call... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Probate, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: How to request a court hearing for co-op equity redemption issue in Wayne County, MI?

I am the authorized representative of an estate dealing with a co-op that is refusing to respond to my request for equity redemption. Despite multiple communications, including a registered letter sent in September 2024, the co-op continues to stonewall me and is charging carrying charges that seem... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Social Security and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Can I sue for landlord extorting 50% of Social Security for rent?

I am being extorted by my landlord who is taking over 50% of my Social Security benefits for rent without any formal agreement or justification. I have not received any legal advice yet. What legal steps can I take to address this situation and potentially sue for the excessive deductions?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 27, 2025

You may have grounds for legal action if your landlord is taking 50% of your Social Security without a formal rental agreement. Many states have laws protecting tenants from excessive rent increases and unfair practices, and Social Security recipients often have additional protections. Without a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: Can CPS charge me for "Mental Injury" for stating my son's gender?

I told my biologically male son that he was not a woman, but rather a queer man, since he still wanted relationships with women while identifying as a woman. CPS is charging me with "Mental Injury" and alleging abuse because of this statement, despite witnesses affirming that he was... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Mortgage escrow refund led to shortage; who's responsible?

I received a refund check for an escrow overage from my mortgage company in August of last year. This was issued before they paid our taxes, leading to a negative balance in the escrow account. Now, they are increasing our monthly payments by over $1500 to cover a $10,000 shortage. We didn't... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Feb 27, 2025

Who is 'responsible'?

That depends. Is the accounting accurate and did you receive the money refunded?

Then YOU as the property owner are ultimately 'responsible' to pay the taxes. U

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Q: Can I sue the government over misallocated tax spending?

I am concerned about the federal government's allocation of my taxes, particularly regarding DOGE's findings of government fraud and waste. Specifically, DOGE has reported instances of social security benefits being paid to deceased individuals and excessive spending on foreign aid for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 27, 2025

You face significant legal hurdles in suing the federal government over tax allocation decisions, even with DOGE's findings on waste and fraud. The doctrine of sovereign immunity generally protects the government from lawsuits unless it consents to being sued, and courts have consistently... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a judge be removed for past representation as my lawyer?

I had a lawyer eight years ago for a child custody case with my first wife, which ended. I later remarried, had two children, and am now divorced from my second wife, with whom I'm currently battling custody. The lawyer from my first divorce is now the judge presiding over this trial. My... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Need legal help for firearm charge and warrant in MI

I am an Indiana citizen facing a criminal law issue and need guidance on finding pro bono or affordable legal representation. I was pulled over in Niles, MI, with a loaded firearm without a carry license, and as a result, I now have a warrant. I have no prior convictions. What are my options for... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: How to proceed with divorce in a domestic violence situation in Michigan?

I need a divorce from my spouse, as I am in a domestic violence marriage. We have been together for 11 years and married for 7 years. We do not have any joint assets or dependents, and we currently live together. I have reached out to local domestic violence support services. How should I proceed... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Collections and Tax Law for Michigan on
Q: Can they garnish my federal refund for an 8-year-old car repossession?

I have a garnishment filed every year for a car repossession from 8 years ago, and my state refund is garnished and sent to the attorney. I have no agreement or contact with them, and this year is my first time able to get a federal tax refund. Can they also take my federal refund?

Robert Keyes
Robert Keyes
answered on Feb 25, 2025

No to Federal Refund. There is also no reason to file MI state taxes if you are going to get a refund. They is no penalty unless you owe and file late.

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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: How to proceed with a medical malpractice case for nerve damage?

In January 2023, I underwent a medical procedure involving hardware removal, which resulted in nerve damage. I have since consulted healthcare professionals and received a diagnosis. This has caused a loss of work and income. I'm seeking advice on how to proceed with a medical malpractice case.

Todd Joseph Huegli
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answered on Feb 26, 2025

I am not licensed in Michigan but given your procedure was in January 2023, you need to contact a Michigan lawyer who handles medical malpractice ASAP.

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: What legal actions can neighbors take to remove 30 aggressive dogs?

I live in a neighborhood where one of the residents owns approximately 30 large dogs. Even though there's an 8-foot fence around their property, these dogs frequently escape. They have been chasing deer, killing neighbors' chickens, and behaving aggressively towards people. Over the past... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Child Support for Michigan on
Q: Can adult child drop back child support owed to deceased parent?

As the adult child managing my deceased parent's estate, can I drop or forgive the back child support owed to my deceased parent by the other parent?

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Feb 25, 2025

The Personal Representative can settle and compromise claims in many circumstances but it is not a ’yes/no’ situation.

It is POSSIBLE to act in this way, but ONLY if it is in the ‘best interest of the estate’.

If you don’t already have an attorney, you need one to insure...
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0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for an employer to restrict discussing pay with co-workers?

Is it legal for my employer, a Commission on Aging, to implement a policy in the employee handbook that advises against discussing pay with co-workers or clients, stating that failing to follow this could lead to disciplinary action, including termination, especially considering we don’t have an... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Roommate placed a hidden camera in my bedroom, what legal actions can I take?

My roommate, who is also a renter, recently placed a camera disguised as a pen in my bedroom without my consent. I discovered it after noticing misplaced items, and upon finding it, I reported the incident to the police. The detective mentioned that my roommate might be allowed to put cameras in... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I reduce an employee's pay in Michigan for habitual tardiness?

In Michigan, I have an employee who has received repeated verbal warnings and one written warning for being habitually late, approximately 15 to 20 minutes late two to three times a week, and once an hour late after misreading the schedule. Their tardiness has been discussed, and accommodations to... View More

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