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Michigan Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: michigan. my mom is only one on car title. she died dec 2022. it's bequethed to me in will. no probate. everything joint

ly owned except car. i'm executor/personal rep of will. i've been driving it and paying the car loan and ins monthly since dec 2022. tabs are now expired. everything still in her name. lien on car. can't transfer title, not enough $$ for pay off. neighbor says i can register the car,... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Mar 1, 2024

Well -- you COULD lie and claim to be your deceased mother, and renew the plates, but then you have to also lie to the insurance company and risk getting caught in insurance fraud .... etc. I'd suggest that isn't such a good idea.

Can you get new tabs for the car without...
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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I bought product from a store.when I went to pick it up they refused me.wanted to give me a refund. I need the product

I bought supplies from Lowes. Came back with a truck to pick it up. they refused me and offered a refund. They had previously sold it to someone else. I have a receipt for the supplies. I don't want the refund I need the supplies I paid for.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

Your rights in this situation could depend on various factors, including the terms and conditions of the purchase, any agreements made at the time of the transaction, and applicable consumer protection laws in Michigan.

In general, sellers are expected to fulfill their contractual...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I was a previous policy holder with Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company. I made monthly automatic withdrawal payments

I’m curious about the possibility of a cash value for the policy. The policy payments were made per automatic monthly withdrawals from my bank account. The time frame of these payments was in the 1970’s. I’m curious as to possibly cash value resulting from the policy payments made.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

To determine if your policy with Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company has a cash value, the first step is to gather all relevant documentation related to your insurance policy. This includes any policy statements, receipts, or records of payments made during the 1970s. These documents are crucial... View More

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, 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 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 and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: What can I do about Dealership fraud

I purchased a used car for a small used dealership.it was listed as a2010 with 145k miles. I purchased and didn't read the paper work. It's really a 2007 with 195k miles. They changed the mileage babe. He only refunded me $400. What should I do.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 1, 2023

You may sue the dealership in small claims court for fraud. In Michigan, small claims court can hear cases involving up to $6,500.

In your complaint, you must allege that the dealership defrauded you by selling you a car with a different mileage than the one listed on the odometer. You will...
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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 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 Contracts and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I signed a solar/battery install contract. The system is incomplete and doesn't function as agreed. What are my options?

Hello everyone. I worked at and purchased a solar panel system from a solar installer in Michigan. There is a panel that is not functioning and I have had no help from the installation company for literally 87days. The battery was to be installed in 2022 when available. The battery is still not... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 6, 2023

You will need to sue the solar installer for breach of contract. In most instances, the finance company is not responsible for the solar system not working. All it did was provide money pursuant to a loan. The company that sold you the system, and the manufacturer of the system, are legally... View More

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 for Michigan on
Q: I have a car that has broken down over 30 times in 6 months. Dealership says they can't fix it. What can I do?
Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Aug 4, 2023

It you purchased the vehicle new, it may qualify for Michigan's Lemon Law.

If you purchased the vehicle used, but with either a warranty or service contract, you may have legal options.

If you purchased the vehicle "as-is", your legal options are limited or...
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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 and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Can an LLC keep you from forwarding their emails to a credit card company to settle a chargeback dispute?

...

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Jun 22, 2023

You can be sued for anything, really. But based on your summary I wouldn't worry about getting sued. The plaintiff in any lawsuit is required to prove damages. I doubt this LLC has been harmed by what you've done, as explained. (I probably wouldn't have admitted to forwarding these... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: My cousin was convicted and sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in Michigan.

He has several student debt loans. He has never defaulted, but I believe has an IBR or IDR plan in place. Can something be done while he is incarcerated where the collection or reapplying for the IBR or IDR every year stops? Can the

interest stop until he is released?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 5, 2023

I do not believe there are provisions exclusive to incarcerated individuals. I think he'll need to contact his student loan servicing agency, or have someone do it on his behalf through a power of attorney form. I would think it's a matter of certifying each year that he has no income... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Are there any licences/regulations required for personal finance websites w/affiliate links for loans, credit card, etc?

Curious about starting a website like Nerdwallet or Bankrate.com, where we write articles about financial products/services and have affiliate links to personal loan companies, credit cards, insurance, investments, loans, etc. We wouldn't provide any goods/services ourselves, but would just... View More

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
answered on Apr 7, 2023

This is not legal advice.

Perhaps. There certainly are regulations that personal finance websites must follow when selling or promoting financial investments and tools. You may consider investigating whether or not the website is required to disclose any material connections or financial...
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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 Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Foreclosure for Michigan on
Q: I owed SBA disaster loan of $24,000 and then in 2019 I did a chapter 7 due to financial problems, .

The sba loan was discharged, the problems is, everytime I try to refinance my house, they still block the refinance and demand the $24000 , and banks back away.

Is this legal what they are doing or illegal?

What can I do for them cease-and-desist?

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Feb 13, 2023

The bankruptcy discharge prohibits a creditor from demanding payment of a discharged debt. However, it does not require a prospective lender to lend to you. Therefore, it is illegal for the creditor holding a discharged debt to try to enforce it against you, but legal for a bank to deny you a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Mortgage company wrongfully put balance on credit report.

My home went into foreclosure in 2020 and I sold it 2 weeks into the redemption. I got a 1099-s, discharge of mortgage from the vice president of the company and a closure of account. I also walked away with a check from the sale. I am being told that I have a $26,000 balance on my credit report... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Feb 15, 2023

This is FAR more detailed and complicated than can be properly dealt with in a public forum like this.

At a minimum, your attorney will need to see all the written documents (like that 1099 and discharge of mortgage) and look at the documents recorded with the register of deeds....
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