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

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

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

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