Because every business is different, and there is no one size fits all solution, take time to ensure your estate plan and your business documents are aligned, intentional, and legally sound under Michigan law. If you own an interest in a business and have not recently reviewed how it fits into your estate plan, now is the right time to do so. Thoughtful planning today can help ensure that your legacy, your livelihood, and your family are protected well into the future.
Read MoreFrom streamlining case research to analyzing complex financial data, AI offers powerful tools for efficiency. But when it comes to deeply personal matters like divorce and custody, technology must be used with caution. Issues like data security, bias, and accuracy make attorney oversight more critical than ever.
Read MoreAs daily life shifts into the digital world, a new category of property is emerging. Today, everything from Bitcoin and online financial accounts to photographs stored in the cloud may hold just as much value as the tangible items a person leaves behind.
Read MoreIn Michigan, there’s no strict formula. Unlike child support, spousal support (alimony) is decided case by case. Judges have broad discretion to determine what is fair based on the full financial picture. Ultimately, it’s about balance. Courts look at whether one spouse has a financial need and whether the other has the ability to pay. Because outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts of your case, preparation and strategy matter.
Read MoreBy taking time now to organize essential information, such as account lists, passwords, medical contacts, and important documents, individuals create clarity for loved ones during their end-of-life season—when it’s needed most.
Read MoreLearn how Michigan’s property tax uncapping rules work, when joint tenancy prevents tax increases, and how to avoid costly surprises when transferring property to heirs.
Read MoreIf your Michigan divorce or custody case involves children, Friend of the Court will play a key role. Learn the roles, process, and impact of Friend of the Court in your Michigan Divorce.
Read MoreFor many people, retirement savings represent decades of work and the foundation of their long-term financial security. When a marriage ends, questions naturally arise about what happens to those accounts—and how divorce may affect your future ability to retire comfortably. Michigan law provides clear guidelines for dividing pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement benefits, but the process can be complex and highly dependent on each couple’s circumstances.
Read MoreAs the end of the year approaches, many Michigan businesses look for ways to support charitable organizations while maximizing available tax benefits. Understanding the core legal and tax rules can help ensure that contributions are both compliant and strategically beneficial.
Read MoreBuckman MacDonald & Brown is now Buckman Tuinstra & Brown! Same exceptional service with a new look and a new name.
Read MoreDividing assets and debts in a Michigan divorce can be complex. Learn how courts handle marital property, real estate, businesses, and prenups — and what “equitable distribution” really means.
Read MoreFor high-net-worth individuals, strategic estate planning is essential. Upstream Estate Planning is a tax-savvy tool that intentionally transfers appreciated assets to an older relative to minimize capital gains taxes and preserve wealth. Upon that relative’s death, the asset’s value is reset to the fair market value at the time of death.
Read MoreLosing a case in a Michigan trial court doesn’t always mean the legal fight is over. If you believe the court made a legal mistake that affected the outcome of your case, you may have the right to appeal.
Read MoreDivorce can impact kids’ mental health, but parents are not helpless. A Michigan divorce lawyer and family law attorney shares guidance on strategies and support.
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Some of the toughest title disputes in Michigan involve “orphaned” properties—land with no clear owner or long-deceased title holders. A quiet title action can clear these titles, even when heirs are unknown, ensuring abandoned or heirless land can be restored to productive use.
Read MoreWhen property ownership is unclear, a quiet title action can provide the legal clarity you need. In Michigan, this process helps eliminate competing claims, resolve defects, and secure your right to the property—making it marketable and insurable for the future.
Read MoreKey differences between divorce and separate maintenance under Michigan legal separation law. Our family law guide explains your options, rights, and how to choose the best path forward.
Read MoreIn Michigan’s dynamic business climate, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are strategic tools for growth, succession planning, or market expansion. Whether you’re a business owner considering selling your company or a buyer looking to acquire a new venture, understanding the legal landscape—especially under Michigan law—is essential.
Read MoreProbate disputes often stem from unclear documents, outdated plans, or misunderstandings among heirs. Working with experienced attorneys in Michigan can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding probate litigation.
Read MoreBuckman MacDonald & Brown, your expert attorneys serving our exceptional community, is pleased to announce the purchase of the locally-iconic office building at 272 E 8th Street, formerly home to the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce.
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