President Trump signed into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) effective January 1, 2020. The Act brings major changes to IRAs and 401(k)s, including the ability to delay distributions, reduced flexibility for inherited IRAs, and penalty-free withdrawals for new parents. This article focuses on the impact the SECURE Act may have on your estate plan. As part of the estate planning process, clients focus […]

In Michigan the law is clear as to the duties of condominium associations to provide written statements to purchasers of units located in the condominium regarding unpaid assessments, interest, late charges, fines, costs and attorney fees. However, when it comes to homeowners that own lots in subdivisions governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the law is not as clear-cut. Therefore, prospective purchasers should be aware of any outstanding items that […]

Attorneys are often hard-pressed to find someone willing to jump to their reputational defense. In fact, they can either be a blessing or a curse. Often we need attorneys to defend us in court, collect an unpaid debt, or draft an estate plan. An attorney not knowledgeable with a specific legal matter can cause confusion and leave clients feeling over-charged and disappointed. Developers and real estate buyers alike often retain […]

Joel Ashton, a partner in our Livonia office, was recently a featured speaker at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) Auto No-Fault Reform Conference held in Lansing.  His presentation focused on the amendments to the Michigan No-Fault Act and its impact on Michigan residents, non-residents, insurance agents and financial advisors as well as related health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare issues. Mr. Ashton is extremely knowledgeable on the […]

Attorneys Joel Ashton and Stanley Okoli recently had a homeowners case dismissed on summary disposition pursuant to MCR 2.116(C)(8) and (10). This case involved a residential property subrogation claim in which a leak from a water supply line for a toilet resulted in approximately $290,000 in damages. Pre-suit investigation supported that the subject water supply line, as well as other toilets in the home, showed evidence of having been improperly […]

We are pleased to announce that Greg Grant and Braeden Willoughby have been elected partners at CMDA. “In addition to being tremendous lawyers, they are both greatly admired for their unique achievements,” said Chris Schultz, managing partner. “Greg possesses outstanding legal skills and maintains exceptional relationships with his clients. Braeden has displayed excellent leadership qualities since joining CMDA. We recognize the work he has done for our clients and look […]

Please join us in congratulating Katie Stearns on being selected as December’s Member of the Month by the Women Lawyers Associtation of Michigan (WLAM).  An attorney in our Livonia office, Ms. Stearns has been an active member of WLAM since graduating from law school.  “I have always been amazed at how willing WLAM members are to mentor young attorneys.  This mentorship has been absolutely invaluable to me.  I became a […]

CMDA was a proud supporter of World Medical Relief’s 66th Annual Anniversary Gala recently held at St. John’s Armenian Banquet Center. Over 450 volunteers, donors, community leaders, partner organizations and board members attended the event and were inspired by keynote speaker Steven Stirling, President and CEO of Medical Assistance Programs.  The event raised $15,000 to support World Medical Relief’s mission of providing the needy in Detroit and abroad with medical […]

Recently, a Circuit Court Judge in Michigan agreed with CMDA that claims made in a lawsuit filed by a group of subdivision homeowners against a neighboring homeowner’s association (HOA) in a pending real property civil action should be dismissed. The underlying facts showed that a collective of Plaintiff homeowners that reside in a subdivision that borders a lake maintained for many years a private road that courses along a canal […]

In observation of Veterans Day, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association hosted a Wills for Vets event at the Traverse City Area District Library. Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for estate planning were prepared for Veterans at no charge.  Matt Cross, an attorney in our Traverse City office, provided his legal services pro bono for the afternoon. He was pleased to provide an opportunity to give thanks to those who […]