COVID-19: Michigan Executive Orders Update Workplace Safeguards
Effective July 31, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-160 and 2020-161 modifying the Safe Start Order and implementing new workplace safeguards on Michigan businesses. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people. Like the previous orders, employers are required to, among other items: (1) develop a COVID-19 preparedness plan consistent with guidance
The Freeze on Landlord-Tenant Eviction Proceedings is About to Come to an End, Sort of
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Whitmer issued a State of Emergency in the State of Michigan. Pursuant to that State of Emergency, Governor Whitmer has frozen all eviction proceedings for landlord-tenant disputes and for land contract disputes. The current Executive Order governing the freeze is set to expire at 11:59 PM on
The Evils of Arbitration
Be wary of arbitration. Organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) bill themselves as being a more cost- and time-efficient alternative to traditional litigation cases in front of trial courts. These claims are simply not true. While some arbitration cases may be resolved faster, that is the only benefit arbitration offers. To start, arbitration is
Michigan Works Share Plans Allow Expanded Unemployment Compensation for Employees
As a part of Michigan’s COVID-19 relief, Governor Whitmer expanded the reach of federal unemployment benefits to Michigan Work Share Plan participants under Executive Order 2020-57. Work Share Plans allow Michigan employers to normally reduce employee hours and compensation by a set amount and affected employees can collect partial unemployment benefits at the same time
Trademarks and How Applications are Affected by COVID-19
A Federal Trademark is a powerful thing. Trademarking a phrase or logo allows you or your business to prevent others from copying what makes you unique. Think of Nike. Everyone immediately recognizes a Nike product by the “Nike swoosh logo.” Think of Google, Yahoo, and Twitter. All three of these were unique names that at
Michigan Property Tax Appeal Changes Due to COVID-19
On Thursday, May 14, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-87 extending the filing deadlines for property tax appeals in Michigan. Under normal circumstances, a township or local unit of government’s Board of Review meets the second week of March to hear protests from residential real property owners regarding their property tax assessments. If
Michigan Court of Appeals Rules that a Short-Term Rental is not a Residential Single-Family Use for Zoning Purposes
The Michigan Court of Appeals issued a published case in the area of short-term rental regulation. In Reaume v Township of Spring Lake, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed that a short-term rental of a residential property is a commercial use of the property and is not a residential single-family use for zoning purposes. Reaume
Solar Panels Allowed on PA 116 Property
Michigan now allows land enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, also known as PA 116, to be used for solar farm and commercial solar panel array purposes. PA 116 is a tax credit program for the preservation of land in Michigan from development and often used by Michigan farmers to enhance farming
Employment Law Update: Developing a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
Michigan’s stay at home order requires open in-person businesses to prepare a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan. Although the plan is currently required for COVID-19 any plan would also be useful for any future infectious disease preparedness. Any plan should include the following: Restrict the number of employees present on premises to no more than
Remote Notarization and Witnessing for Estate Plans and Real Estate Documents
Remote Notarization and Witnessing is now allowed in Michigan under Executive Order 2020-41 throughout Michigan’s COVID-19 emergency. Physical presence in front of notary and the requirement for physical original signatures have been temporarily suspended under Michigan’s Notary Act and the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. A licensed notary with a valid notarial commission may