Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Michigan Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it enough evidence?

A man was masturbating in his window the the 2nd time watching inside my house and my kids saw. I took pictures and called the cops and I want to press charges.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 30, 2023

I think you have all the information you're going to get (hopefully). Whether it's enough to charge him is a decision the prosecutor will make after you report this to the police. A question will be whether this "show" was intentional or not. There is a difference between being... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: How do go about pressing charges?

My man for the 2nd time that lives next to me had his window open and looking into my living room where me and my kids were and he was masturbating right infront of the window were we could cleary see. My son who is 5 year old is the one who saw it and pointed it out. I have photo proof that... Read more »

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 28, 2023

Very sorry to hear that you are experiencing this. I would suggest that you video him in the act then call the police. This kind of sexual harassment is treated by the police very harshly when kids are involved. but they will need some proof, hence the video. As you video you should speak the... Read 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... Read more »

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Michigan on
Q: Does a County Prosecutor have a responsibility to protect a community?

On February 2nd, I went to Alpena County Prosecutor, C.M., to ask for help and to ask what I should do with the evidence I had documenting that my lawyer, M.E. had swindled me. M**** receptionist threw me out on my ear. When I called later, I was told that if I contacted the Prosecutor's... Read more »

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 30, 2023

Adding to Mr. Selik's answer: sounds like you have a contract dispute (e.g. you paid X, expected Y services, and received Z services instead) with the attorney, which is a civil matter properly addressed through a lawsuit or AGC action.

The prosecutor's job is to prosecute crimes...
Read more »

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Seller is unable to proceed with closing due to financial situation. What are my rights, and what action should i take?

I have encountered a situation where the seller of the property I am purchasing is unable to proceed with the closing due to financial circumstances. Sellers had already accepted the offer, I completed the appraisal, and the closing is scheduled for next week. What are my rights in this situation,... Read more »

David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on May 26, 2023

Your legal rights against the seller's breach will depend on what the provisions in the purchase agreement say as to the available legal 'remedies" that you have against the seller. A poor purchase agreement may only require that the seller return your earnest money deposit to you... Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Michigan on
Q: What do I do when my lawyer violates attorney-client privilege and lies to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission?

The Michigan State Police and the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission are investigating Michelle Elowski's legal practices. I have an open court case against her for conning me out of $25,000. The judge told her to work with me so she got an attorney and the both of them disappeared.... Read more »

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 24, 2023

If an attorney has violated your attorney-client privilege and disclosed your confidential communications with the attorney to a third party, you should hire an attorney who practices in the area of legal malpractice to sue the attorney for any legally compensable damages you have sustained as a... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Michigan on
Q: My brother's name is on the deed, no will. Is he entitled to all money from the sale of the house in Michigan
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 19, 2023

Typically yes, that would be the case. If his name is on the deed, then he owns the house, and so the property would not be subject to probate.

Not sure if this is the situation happening with you, but it's not uncommon, and presents perhaps unintended results, when a parent puts one...
Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I say, "I amend the 5th" when I get questioned by the police in school?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 19, 2023

I'll assume you mean "plead the fifth". That right is so gravely misunderstood by the general public as to almost be comical.

If you are questioned by police about something they believe you did, then yes, you have an absolute right not to incriminate yourself....
Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Criminal Law, Communications Law and Domestic Violence for Michigan on
Q: I’m looking for an attorney to help me stop harassment- threatening (position as a mother)-mental abuse- lies- defaming

I just filed a ppo and 3rd parties against my ex that we have 2 previous domestic violence but I dropped in 2010 bc the court didn’t do anything after he broke his ppo 4x and the 2nd I didn’t show from fear etc. I want to press charges against both my ex and his girlfriend and will show up this... Read more »

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 17, 2023

You should contact your county prosecutor's office. You should also contact the police concerning any new allegations. Whether the prosecutor will "reopen" the 2021 case is discretionary and will depend on how they feel they can prove that case. Whenever you don't show up,... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a sale be forced on pardners if 3 partners own 54.4% .

I belong to a bow club that owns 120 Acres. There are 16 plus partners that have all privileges. Myself, my son and one other member own 54.4% and pay 54.4% of the taxes.

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

I assume the partnership is incorporated under Michigan law?

How is the property titled? In the name of individuals or the name of the partnership?

What does the partnership agreement say about selling assets?

Does it require a simple majority or a super-majority?...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: My son signed over right of his baby to girlfriend when she gave birth. Is this a binding contract?

My son has a job. No addictions. His girlfriend holds this over him and often I ( grandma can't see my grandson because she controls all).

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 15, 2023

Depends on what you mean by "signing over rights". Typically the only thing that's signed between unwed parents is an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP). If your son signed such a document, he is acknowledging paternity - that's it. By default, the mother has custody, and no... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Videographer creating ads for another company's safety product?

I am a videographer and run my own videography company. If I promote a safety product (film ads and take photos) for another company's product to be released on their social media, and that safety product ends up not being what is stated unbeknownst to me and it ends up failing and hurting... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 14, 2023

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. In a setting like this, there are no guarantees as to who a potential plaintiff would name in a lawsuit. If someone is merely inserting a script that the client provided without knowledge, that would probably be... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Michigan on
Q: Once I sign a reaffirmation agreement, how long does it take the attorney to file it in court?

I signed reaffirmation agreements for my car and a credit card and I would just like to know how long does it take to be filed and received by the court. I know when you file bankruptcy that it is received by the courts pretty quickly so I was wondering if it worked the same way with reaffirmation... Read more »

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on May 12, 2023

Every Reaff Agreement is exactly that, a mutual agreement between a debtor and the creditor, all subject to approval by the Court.

Authorized signatures of both parties is of course required.

Once aa mutually subscribed Reaff Agreement, with Motion and Affidavit is in hand,...
Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: what kind of lawyer would be best able to find and request custody documents from a divorce done back in the 1980s?

My father passed recently and I've come to find that he's not listed on my birth certificate. I need to prove my status as next of kin. I have gone through all Vital Records and public records for the courts (county and probate), for the county I was born in and the county I lived in and... Read more »

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 11, 2023

You don't necessarily need a lawyer for this, but where you'll probably want to look is the circuit court in the county your parents were divorced in. Ask for a copy of the "judgement of divorce".

Not to be funny or imply anything untoward, but I've seen it happen...
Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Michigan on
Q: Is there a way around this? Was the Lady showing bias, since I've been back and forth to Canada before with no problems.

I have been traveling from Michigan to Canada in vehicle going through customs with no problems several times. My last visit all of sudden this lady pulled a Closed Record from 2017 and held me under Section 36 of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act which then I was told I was inadmissible to... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 16, 2023

If you believe that you were treated unfairly or experienced bias during your interaction with the Canadian border authorities, there are steps you can take to address the situation:

Contact the Immigration Section of the Consulate General of Canada: Reach out to the Immigration Section of...
Read more »

View More Answers

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?... Read 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...
Read more »

View More Answers

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?... Read more »

Peter J. Weinman
Peter J. Weinman pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 9, 2023

I do not necessarily disagree with attorney Geers, who is licensed in your state (where I am not), but your question has two aspects. I think (1) there's a distinction between being a borrower (on the note) and being an owner (and necessarily on the mortgage), and (2) whether your sister has... Read more »

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: How do I obtain a deed for my property?

New house owned 36 years. I do not recall any deed information.

Trent Harris
Trent Harris
answered on May 9, 2023

If your deed was recorded, you can buy a copy from the office of the Register of Deeds for the county where the property was located. If the deed was not recorded, then you may have a problem. You would need to contact the seller if they are alive to get a deed, or possibly the seller's estate... Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Lemon Law for Michigan on
Q: I purchased a new car and its had a very high pitched squeak that has persisted since I recieved the car.

It has gotten worse since I have gotten it. I wouldn't be concerned if the dealer could diagnose the issue. I am concerned it may become an issue down the road. Do I have a case under Lemon Law.

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on May 8, 2023

You can begin Michigan's Lemon Law process after 3 repair attempts for the same defect/condition and/or 25 days out of service within the first year from delivery. To set yourself up correctly to get your vehicle repurchased, avoid these 5 errors:

5 critical errors consumers make when...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: Can a printing company that doesn't fulfill a print job fully own the rights to a trademarked design?

I reached out to a 3D company for figure printing, submitted an original design, but they did not fulfill the job, and I'm requesting a refund and was told that they own the rights to the 3D render(computer draw up) and the figures printed. The brand is trademarked under my name.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 7, 2023

No, a printing company that doesn't fulfill a print job cannot own the rights to a trademarked design. The intellectual property rights belong to the creator or owner of the design, unless there is an agreement in place transferring the rights to the printing company. If you own the trademark... Read more »

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.