One of the most common requests from clients to probate practitioners is when an individual, upon their passing, wishes to transfer ownership in real property outside of probate proceedings while preserving present control and use of the land.  The utilization of certain deeds as an estate-planning tool to accomplish that goal – affectionately known as “Lady Bird” deeds – is available only in a few states, including Michigan.  This type […]

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently unveiled a web-based intellectual property (IP) marketplace platform to provide the public with a searchable source of patents and published patent applications related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are available for licensing. The new platform, Patents 4 Partnerships, will help facilitate the licensing and commercialization of innovations in key areas of technologies and disseminate valuable patent information. The platform could assist […]

As business owners get closer to reopening their doors, it is time to start planning for and anticipating the problems that may arise with our workforce. The following are issues that may arise, along with some helpful tips. Workplace Conditions Governor Whitmer will advise of the required conditions of the workplace such as the wearing of masks, use of partitions, cleaning of areas, use of social distancing, etc. If your […]

Governor Whitmer’s latest Executive Order in effect through May 6, 2020 allows any notarial act required under Michigan Law to be done using two-way video technology.  As a result, a financial institution, title insurer, or a register of deeds is prohibited from denying a copy of an electronic record if a notary certifies it under the terms of the Order. (The only exception will be if state law specifically requires […]

The stimulus bill signed into law by the President recently has set aside substantial funds to aid small businesses under a new loan program that is now in effect. If small businesses maintain payroll during this economic crisis, all or part of the money borrowed through the newly created Paycheck Protection Program can be forgiven. The goal is to help small business owners and their employees ride out this economic […]

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act contains many sections and provisions applicable to numerous individual and business situations. For small business owners, the most helpful provision may be the new loan program called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  This program is developed to assist small business owners to retain their employees and recall employees who have been […]

Businesses are facing a diverse set of legal and business-critical challenges by the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Attorneys at Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. are closely monitoring the potential ramifications of the outbreak and are actively advising clients in planning through this fluid time and uncertain future to better position their business for success. Some legal, strategic, and practical considerations employers need to consider include: • Wage […]

Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. (CMDA) is pleased to announce the opening of a Firm location in New York City. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the New York office is the Firm’s seventh office location and first on the East Coast, adding to offices in Michigan, Missouri, and California. The New York office will be home to CMDA’s growing Intellectual Property (IP) practice. “Having an office in […]

We are very pleased to announce that three attorneys have recently joined our Firm. David Kowalski is an attorney in our Clinton Township office where he focuses his practice on insurance defense, municipal law, appeals and litigation, and research. He has extensive litigation and appellate experience and has received favorable outcomes for clients before the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals. He authors briefs for submission to […]

Effective March 29, 2019 the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) will allow eligible part time employees to receive one hour of paid medical leave for every 35 hours worked. To be eligible for the leave the employee must have worked a minimum of 25 hours per week during the preceding calendar year. The leave time must be used for personal or family health needs or purposes related to sexual assault […]