Media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic is replete with horror stories about assisted living residents being on “lock-down” and unable to visit with loved ones. People have been avoiding the hospital because they have been told that they will “die alone.” This is primarily because hospitals and congregate care facilities have misunderstood Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders. Executive Order 2020-72 and Executive Order 2020-108 have been replaced by Executive Order 2020-136, […]

The most significant amendments to the Michigan No-Fault law take effect on July 1, 2020. For the past year, the headlines have been filled with news about changes to the Michigan auto insurance law. There has been repeated mention of the expense of automobile insurance and the need for reform. What do the changes mean for you, your family or your business? We may not give it much thought, but […]

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 […]

Jim Acho, a partner in our Livonia office is a sought-after interview subject on sports law topics. As a practitioner of sports law at CMDA and professor of sports law at Madonna University, Jim routinely speaks on radio shows and to newspapers on topics relating to the health and welfare of retired NFL and MLB players. As such, he has been interviewed by the New York Times several times. Most […]

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 […]

Joel Ashton, a partner in our Livonia office, was a featured speaker at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) Auto No-Fault Reform Conference that was held by Zoom due to the Stay at Home and Work Remotely Executive Orders.  His presentation focused on an update to the amendments to the Michigan No-Fault Act. The next phase of the Michigan No-Fault amendments take effect for policies issued or […]

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 […]

In these uncertain times, we would like to bring you a little diversion, entertainment, and fun to help alleviate stress. The elder law attorneys at CMDA just received a shipment of puzzle booklets and would like to send one your way. We hope working on a Sudoku, word search, or crossword puzzle can help ease your mind, if only for a few minutes each day. To receive a complementary puzzle […]

Estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, etc.) are essential in a crisis.  In the present pandemic, our families, friends and customers are dealing with frustrating isolation, sudden debilitating illness, and untimely death.  Each situation presents unique challenges that is best resolved with a specially designed legal document.  Attorney Norman (Gene) Richards has compiled a Coping in Crisis: Estate Planning Challenges and Solutions chart that lists some challenges and […]