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Michigan Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
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 Civil Litigation, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Well house building dispute. Can we take quiet title or take adverse possession?

Five cottages which all used to be rentals until 1967 are only buildings hooked to the well house building which has its own address and bills come to me. A neighbor bought a cottage next door to it (which is not hooked up to the well house), yet wants access to it. He says building is on his... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Nov 7, 2023

You need a local real estate attorney to review all the facts and provide you advice. That is not something that can be provided in a forum like this.

Seriously — this is FAR more complicated than can be accommodated in a public forum. You need to hire an attorney!

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Can the family of someone who sued a company file their own suit even after the original plaintiff is deceased?
David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on Oct 20, 2023

Generally speaking, 'Yes' provided that an estate for the decedent is opened and the personal representative of the estate decides to pursue or continue the lawsuit.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: What can I do if I was denied the right to file a motion to dismiss a default judgment, which resulted in me now…

Losing my home? I had a default judgment rolled against me on July 7 and attempted to file a motion to dismiss on July 13. The court clerk refused to accept my dismissal, claiming that I did not have the 21 days I was told I only had seven. This directly led to me now losing my home. What can I do... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 12, 2023

You need a lawyer; and you likely needed a lawyer months ago.

As happens when people try to represent themselves, you are unaware of the proper procedures and court rules. Filing whatever you think is proper whenever you think it should be filed is not how this works.

You have a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Michigan civil lawsuit against a neighbor who trespassed our property and called the Humane Society to trap our cats.

Their attorney claims a Statute of limitation of three years as tort, but I believe it's six years because they immediately adopted part of the cats therefore should be Statutory Conversion. Could you clarify this for me?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 12, 2023

The governing statute of limitation is for the claim made, not what it could be. Typically, in civil matters, you can make alternative claims. Each claim, though, would be subject to its applicable statute of limitations. Hopefully you are engaged with an attorney who knows this, as you can easily... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: A friend visited my home and unknowingly dropped her glasses and my 7 month old puppy chewed them up. And wants me to re

Wants me to replace her glasses for $185.

Her husband is the one who sent me the message. And states if I don't contact him by 5pm he's going to have to file a lawsuit

I haven't admitted to anything nor have I contacted him back

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 3, 2023

For $185!? He's going to spend more than that filing a law suit.

How you move about this depends on how much you value the relationship with your friend. Although it sounds like maybe her husband is more of a problem here.

If it were me, I would be inclined not to let money...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: Vehicle considered Totaled after not at fault accident in Michigan. Can I file a Mini Tort or Small Claims?

My vehicle was totaled (Not at fault) due to an accident in Michigan. My vehicle is 100% paid off and I did not have collision coverage as part of my auto insurance. Can I file a Mini Tort or Small Claims for the book value of my vehicle at the time of the accident?

Since I do not have... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 1, 2023

Mini tort is for the amount of the deductible you paid.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: I was wondering if I would be able to get relief of judgment. Or what defense I have for legal malpractice

It's hard to explain in detail, but there is a process that is to be used when dealing with individuals who had suffered a Traumatic brain injury to allow the due process of that individual. The judge in the divorce case stated on record that he was aware of the injuries, but failed to apply... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 21, 2023

What relief are you seeking? If this was a divorce without kids, then the issue is equitable division of assets and debts. Did you settle and are now unhappy with that settlement? Or was there a trial?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Identity Theft for Michigan on
Q: Can I get sued or arrested for pretending to be a politician, if the person is not real

Recently I went online pretending to be the vice governor, I made up a name the person I used is not real, it's all a joke and I would never give out potentially dangerous information, I just want to know is this legal, can I get arrested

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 25, 2023

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. A criminal attorney should advise on this, to prevent any violation of laws involving impersonation or related crimes. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Estate Planning for Michigan on
Q: Can I get a new trial if the presiding judge in my case publicly said he didn't decide my original case on its merits?
Trent Harris
Trent Harris
answered on Jun 12, 2023

If what you said is true, you could file a motion to set aside the judgment and request a new trial. But it would most likely be within the discretion of the court whether to grant your motion. You would most likely need to identify one or more legal errors that affected the outcome, and facts to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: I am in a partnership dispute. I am a member of a 50/50 partnership. We both agree to dissolve the company.

Are there any case law for me to ask for a non-compete or moratorium for both of us not to be able to use the existing customers of the business for a certain amount of time?

David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on May 26, 2023

Good question. These items that you wish to have, such as a non-compete or a non-circumvention agreement, are documents that should really be agreed to up front at the time you and your partner did your initial business deal - so PRIOR to the actual dissolution of a company and not during a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: My mother & I are both on mortgage. She's principal borrower. She passed. Can/Do I assume the mortgage? Please help! Ken

Mortgage was drawn from her account because she had good credit. But, I have been paying mortgage through her account by check. I insure the home as well. My credit is much better now. It looks as though the mortgage company may just run my credit as to not upset the mortgage. Is this common?... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 9, 2023

Being on the mortgage and being on a deed are two different things. If your name is on the deed, then I think you can be reasonably assured of not losing the home to your sister.

As to the mortgage itself, if your name is already on the mortgage, I'm not sure there is anything you need...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: What rights does a renter living in a home sold by land contract have once the buyer dies before contract completion?

Renter paid monthly rent of 500$.. lived in home with buyer at time of death

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 8, 2023

The buyer’s estate steps into the shoes of the buyer.

The ‘rights’ of the lessee depend on his relationship to the estate.

This is a FAR more complicated and fact dependent situation than can be discussed cogently in a forum like this.

You NEED to consult with a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Is there a federal rule or code which prevents altering a settlement agreement that was put on record?

I entered into a settlement agreement, placed on record with a US magistrate judge. The government has written up a proposed stipulation. It has several pages of legal jargon and agreements that are not on record, and I do not agree to. I refuse to sign. He filed a motion to enforce the settlement,... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 21, 2023

The issue is whether what was placed on the record and presented in writing is substantively the same. Often times, what is placed on the record is material terms of the agreement; the written agreement will contain the additional "legalise" that make it all work. Unless you can show a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Construction Law for Michigan on
Q: How can I locate attorneys who have sued in civil court against government agencies in a specific city or county?

specifically tort law

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 25, 2023

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It might be difficult to find what you describe - attorneys who sue in specific counties. Most law firms don't hold themselves out for the counties or districts they sue in. Instead, they hold themselves out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Municipal Law and Land Use & Zoning for Michigan on
Q: Can I legally move (via tow-truck / paid service) another person's car from my property?

Next door neighbor owns a car (junk, not running); the car sits in the back yard between our houses. The car straddles the property line. It's been there for years. I want to clean up my back yard, get landscaping, and put up a fence. The car must be moved. But, my neighbor won't move... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jan 17, 2023

IF (and that is a HUGE unknown!) the car is on your land, the neighbor is trespassing.

Are you 100% Absolutely Positively Undeniably CERTAIN of us on your land? You can have it removed but not necessarily onto the neighbor’s land — unless they neighbor consents to that. (You don’t...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Hello I had somebody give me money to start a business that never got off the ground.

Business never got into full swing. Problems on top of problems and no more money to continue forward. It never got off the ground, am I required to give the money back ? I never signed anything and only talked about hoping it would be successful. It never made it to an official business and it was... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 6, 2023

Hi, keep in mind that in addition to written agreements, there are also verbal agreements that may be legally enforceable, provided there is an offer, an acceptance, and consideration. Whether you are required to return the funds depends on what were the terms of the agreement.

The other...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: How to get help with child birth costs? FOC won't help because bills are 3 years old. How can I get dad to help pay?

Custody order does state dad's responsible for 50% of these. I didn't know I owed the hospital $20,000 until recently and FOC only enforces health care cost reimbursement if bills are less than a year old. Bills are 3 years old. Can I still get help paying these and if so how?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jan 3, 2023

Probably not unless you can work out an understanding with him.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Where can I find an attorney with general civil experience that will answer my questions for an hourly rate.

I dont need them to file anything or show up to court. I just need them to answer my questions.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 8, 2023

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. You could reach out to law firms to discuss. Some litigation firms might be reluctant to advise in a setting where another party is at the helm of a very large litigation. Some could be concerned about a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Does a Motion for Summary Judgement/Disposition replace a response to a complaint in a General Civil case? Default?

Is this a default if they did not also file a responsive plea? it has been over 90 days

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Dec 29, 2022

It can in some cases, depending on the issue(s) presented. And note that it's the plaintiff's burden to keep the case moving in that 90 day window you reference, otherwise the court may dismiss the case for lack of progress.

It sounds like you, or perhaps both parties, are...
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