What to do When you are Asked to Sign a Non-Competition Agreement?

Non-Competition Agreements are enforceable in Michigan. These contracts, sometimes called Covenants-Not-To-Compete, are designed to protect an employer from unfair competition from a former employee or are also used when buying or selling a business or setting up a distribution network. Some estimates are that over 20% of workers in the United States are covered by
Estate Planning When You Are Separated
Today’s modern family can be complex. In fact, today, many spouses have chosen to remain permanently separated without going through the process of divorce. While this arrangement may work in the short-term, such an arrangement has serious unforeseen consequences after a spouse has passed away. Long-term separations like this can raise complex inheritance issues, as
Shinners & Cook Hires Attorney Joseph Albosta
Shinners & Cook would like to introduce their newest Associate Attorney, Joseph Albosta. Albosta received his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Economics and Political Science from Michigan State University in 2001 and his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University in 2009. Albosta previously worked at the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office for the
Who Really Owns Your Property?

Do you know where the property line between you and your neighbor is? Is it marked by a fence, a tree, or a rock? Do you just guess as to its actual location? If this sounds like your situation, you may be risking losing part of your property through a doctrine called adverse possession. Or,
New Paid Medical Leave Law in Michigan

The Michigan legislature has passed the Paid Medical Leave Act. The Legislature adopted 2018 PA 369 on December 4, 2018, and Governor Snyder signed the legislation into law on December 13, 2018. The bill will take effect in March 2019. Under the new law, employers with 50 or more employees are now required to provide
New Minimum Wage Law in Michigan

The Michigan legislature has amended the Minimum Wage Law in Michigan. The Legislature adopted 2018 PA 368 on December 4, 2018, and Governor Snyder signed the legislation into law on December 13, 2018. The bill will take effect in March 2019. Under the new law, the minimum wage employers will be required to pay their
How does the Department of Transportation Repair Claims Process Work?

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has jurisdiction over state trunkline (M, I, or US route), not local or county roads. Thus, if your car is damaged on a state truckline, due to the condition of the road condition you can submit a claim to MDOT. If you have a claim for repair on a
Why it is important to find the time to plan your estate?

Nobody wants to contemplate their death, but it is important to take control of your estate plan before it is too late. Estate plans help to maintain your wishes. If you want certain people to get certain assets you can designate them to individuals. Further, estate planning is not just about money. When you are
Estate Planning When You Are Separated
Today’s modern family can be complex. In fact, today, many spouses have decided to remain permanently separated from their spouses but not go through the process of divorce. We have seen this with the recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, both of whom have estranged spouses that are entitled spousal rights arising out
Perchville’s Namesake Saved by Trademark Law

Trademark Background Michigan trademark law is governed by the Trademarks and Service Marks Act, which is modeled after the federal law governing trademarks, The Lanham Act. A trademark is any word, symbol, phrase, or any combination thereof, adopted and used by a person to identify goods made or sold by someone and to distinguish the