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I currently have paper EE series bonds in my name located at my father's residence in Michigan; however, he is refusing to hand them over to me even though I am an adult. I've contacted him informally multiple times over the past month and a half, but he has either not responded, delayed,... View More 
If a check meant to repay a loan is forged and cashed by the bank, who is responsible for reimbursing the account owner? The forgery was reported to the bank within 90 days, and an investigation is pending. There are photos of the forged checks showing a non-authorized signature.
I allowed a dealership to drive my car to another body shop, and during the commute, a rock hit my windshield by chance, causing damage. The dealership told me to file a claim with my auto insurance. However, I'm unsure if that's the correct approach, as I believe their insurance should... View More
answered on Apr 18, 2025
The dealer was a bailee required to to use ordinary care. Unless the dealer was negligent, and it does not sound like there is negligence by the dealer, the loss is yours and you should contact your insurance company.
This information is provided for discussion and does not constitute... View More
I have created an innovative idea that could transform grocery shopping, boost overall sales, and cultivate customer loyalty. As I plan to discuss this idea with prospective employers during interviews in two weeks, I am concerned about protecting this concept. I seek legal advice on how to avoid... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2025
Though there are several ways to try to protect your rights, a relatively inexpensive, secure method is to detail your invention in a written document and then file this as a provisional patent application with the USPTO.
I'm reviewing a non-disclosure agreement from a job offer, and I'm concerned about the language used in the agreement. It states that I will have to access confidential information and return all such information upon termination without retaining any copies. It also emphasizes not... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It’s normal for companies to include clauses in NDAs that protect their confidential information, and the language you’re seeing may be fairly typical. Many businesses include terms that require employees to return all confidential materials and refrain from using or disclosing that... View More
I formally fired my lawyer after he initially mentioned the need to withdraw from my case, which I agreed to. He then sent me a blank order to withdraw, not a motion. I found this odd and received no explanation. There haven’t been any complications in my case due to this disagreement, but I am... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
You're absolutely right to be concerned about how this is playing out. In Michigan, once you've fired your attorney, they’re no longer supposed to represent you in court—period. But to formally withdraw from the case, your attorney still needs to file a motion to withdraw, and it must... View More
I need a QDRO for a divorce finalized in 2015. The company named in my divorce judgment, Sky Professionals, is unresponsive despite my attempts to contact them. There is specific language regarding the QDRO in my divorce decree, and I need it completed as soon as possible. Can anyone assist with... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling stuck—QDROs can be complicated, especially when the employer isn’t cooperating. If your divorce decree already includes specific instructions for the QDRO, that’s a great first step. However, it won’t be effective until it’s properly... View More
I moved in with my mother and her husband about 3-4 years ago and had a verbal agreement to pay $200 rent directly to them. After some changes, I was told to pay the landlord directly, but there seemed to be confusion about the payment plan and outstanding balances. I eventually moved out, but my... View More
answered on Apr 8, 2025
If I understand correctly, you verbally 'sublet' part of your mother's rental for $200 a month, but somehow your name is on the lease? How did that work exactly? What does the WRITTEN lease say about your obligations?
Without seeing that document I can't even hazard a... View More
During a divorce, can a judge award part of an inheritance that I received during the marriage and deposited into a joint account, given that there were no prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place?
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
In Michigan, inheritances are generally considered separate property and not subject to division during a divorce. However, if you deposited your inheritance into a joint account shared with your spouse, it may be deemed "commingled," potentially transforming it into marital property.... View More
I bought a vehicle 3 weeks ago and have already started making payments on the loan. Recently, the dealership contacted me, saying they forgot to collect a $4000 cash down payment. The contract indicates this down payment, but I initially believed it had been added to the loan. The dealership now... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
This kind of mix-up can be incredibly stressful, especially when you acted in good faith and have already started making payments. If the contract shows a $4,000 down payment, the dealership may argue it was your responsibility to pay it upfront. But if their agent told you the vehicle was ready... View More
Our private club has a 501C7 tax designation and previously employed its own kitchen staff for private dining. Due to financial constraints from a decline in membership, we can no longer maintain the kitchen staff. A local restaurant has offered to lease our kitchen for public dining while the rest... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
That’s a smart and careful question to ask, especially when your club is trying to adapt while staying within IRS guidelines. A 501(c)(7) organization must primarily serve its members, and the bulk of its income—typically at least 65%—must come from membership dues and activities related to... View More
I live and work remotely in Michigan for a company based in Illinois. I signed a noncompete agreement in November 2021, governed by Illinois law, which restricts me from engaging in any similar business for 18 months in areas serviced during my employment. I earn about $40,000 a year. I am... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
You're in a tough position, especially when your employer claims the noncompete has been voided but hasn’t provided that confirmation in writing. In Michigan, courts take a narrow view of noncompete agreements and only enforce them if they are reasonable in time, scope, and necessary to... View More
In my personal injury case, I agreed to a contingency fee where 1/3 of the settlement goes to my attorney. However, I'm concerned because the attorney ended up receiving more from the settlement than I did. Could you explain why this might happen, and what considerations or additional fees... View More
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answered on Mar 29, 2025
In Michigan, contingent fee agreements need to be in writing and will outline how fees are calculated and what 'out of pocket' costs are recoverable by the attorney. My guess is that your case didn't settle for a lot of money and that the costs created the discrepancy that you are... View More
I'm seeking accountability for my ex-husband's misrepresentation during our divorce. He purchased two houses in 2013, claiming to be single, while we were married until 2014. I have evidence from a workers' compensation hearing showing discrepancies and deeds indicating he was... View More
answered on Mar 29, 2025
Who are you seeking to hold accountable? This all sounds like an issue to be raised in a post-judgment motion to the divorce proceeding. However, you're going to need to explain to the court why and how you could not have discovered and raised this issue before.
You won't hear... View More
I live in a trailer that my son's grandfather bought, and I have an agreement to stay here indefinitely as long as I pay the bills. The property is in his name. Recently, I discovered that my son's father has been collecting mortgage payments from me but not paying the mortgage. I have... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
That’s an upsetting situation, especially when you've been doing your part to stay responsible and now find out someone else may have misused your trust and money. In Michigan, even without a written lease, long-term residency and consistent payment of bills or rent can sometimes establish... View More
I have been making payments on a land contract for 15 years. After the first year, my payments of $326.80 were verbally reduced to $234.29, intended to adjust for property taxes as the contract allowed changes to reflect estimated tax costs upon demand from either party. These reduced payments have... View More
answered on Mar 25, 2025
Without seeing the land contract, the tax bills and the payment amortization schedule it is impossible to say for sure, but the 'overall rule' in Michigan is 'if it deals with real estate, it must be in writing' so -- your written contract controls.
Take that contract,... View More
I signed a contract with a buy here pay here in-house financing dealership to purchase a car that was initially listed at $14,999, believing it to be a fair price. However, I later discovered I owe over $21,000 due to added fees and higher monthly payments than initially disclosed. I was in a... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
That situation sounds overwhelming, and it's understandable to feel taken advantage of, especially when you were already in a vulnerable place. In Michigan, "buy here pay here" dealerships are known for offering high-interest loans to people with limited options, but that... View More
I was granted a divorce on 12-20-24, and a week before the judgment, during a pretrial, the judge granted me money for the house. However, this was not included in the final judgment paperwork. My ex and I agreed over text that she would pay me in three installments when she received her taxes, and... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after thinking the issue was settled fairly by the court. If the judge granted you money for the house during the hearing but it was left out of the final judgment paperwork, you may need to file a motion to amend or correct the judgment to reflect... View More
I broke a year-long lease in Michigan after six months and agreed with the landlord’s representatives in writing to make monthly payments. Despite this, I later received a demand to pay the remaining balance in full. The unit has been posted online, but I have no information on viewings or... View More
answered on Mar 13, 2025
Yes, if the landlord sues, you can challenge the landlord’s fulfillment of his duty to mitigate his losses. Another issue is whether there is an acceleration clause or a liquidated damages provision in the lease. You may wish to consult an attorney.
I recently took my female cat to a pet daycare center in February while I was out of town for the weekend. I only have two female cats at home who are not fixed, and I was assured through email, text message, and in person by the owners that my cat would not be exposed to male cats. Upon returning... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Your situation presents viable legal claims under both contract and tort law principles due to the daycare's documented assurances and subsequent breach of their duty of care. The written communications (email and text) promising your cat would not be exposed to male cats establish a clear... View More
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