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 […]

To help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus we have all had to substantially alter the way we work and live and social distancing has become the new normal – at least for now.  As a result, it is more important than ever for Community Associations to maintain solid and steady communication between Board members and their residents. Many Condominium Associations and HOA’s are required to hold their annual meetings […]

The state of emergency caused by the Coronavirus pandemic has been of great concern to everyone these days. Business and governments have scrambled to establish protocol and implement guidelines and regulations to contain the spread of the virus. There is currently a plethora of information available to the public in the form of legal declarations and recommendations for health and safety purposes. However, there appears to be no clear directive […]

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 […]

In the case of Highfield Beach at Lake Michigan v. Sanderson, the Michigan Court of Appeals recently ruled on the issue of enforceability of a condominium Bylaw which affected short-term rentals of units. The ruling effectively negated the plan of a new unit owner to use his condominium for rental to vacationers. As a result, the Association was successful in its efforts to limit the types of rentals allowed, similar […]

CMDA Attorney Norman E. Richards has started a daily vlog where he posts short videos to keep clients and friends informed of ways to handle elder law and estate planning matters during Michigan’s shelter-in-place.  We invite you to visit the Michigan Elder Law Blog daily for updates. He continues to work during this time and is available to answer any questions you may have. Mr. Richards helps clients safely navigate […]

CMDA employees in our Michigan, California, Kansas, and New York office locations have shifted to working remotely. Our Firm remains fully operational and is committed to assisting our clients without delay. Attorneys are still available to meet with clients via telephone and video conferencing. Our main telephone line is (734) 261-2400. This line will be answered by a live person during the business hours of Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. […]