Category: Blog
How to Appeal Property Taxes in Michigan
With many citizens still reeling from the economic downturn caused by the global pandemic, increased property taxes can be a huge issue for some Michigan owners and families. Depending on your situation, there may be a few options concerning your increased property tax assessment.
Shinners & Cook Hires Attorney Maxson Frederick
Shinners & Cook is pleased to introduce our newest Attorney, Max Frederick. Frederick received his bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Professional & Technical Writing in 2014. He earned a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law in 2020. Aside from practicing law, Frederick enjoys cooking, traveling, and camping. Shinners &
MIOSHA Rules Relax COVID-19 Workplace Requirements and MDHHS Restrictions Lifted
On June 22, 2021, the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued new COVID-19 Emergency Rules for workplaces. The new rules are effective immediately and supersede the previous May 24, 2021 workplace rules. Under the emergency rules, “Employers must provide employees with a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are
Estate Planning for Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies
As cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and others increase in popularity and circulation in the economy, it is important to plan for the transition of cryptocurrency in your estate plan and the tax consequences of cryptocurrency. The IRS is paying more attention to these kinds of assets. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property and an
Real Estate Law Update: Extension of Marketable Title Act Deadlines
The Marketable Title Act, MCL 565.103 was amended by Public Act 572 of 2018 to make it easier to eliminate old use restrictions and covenants on real property in Michigan. A key component of Act 572 was that interests, claims, or charges could be preserved and kept effective by filing a notice of claim of
New CDC Eviction Moratorium
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal Executive Branch Agency, has issued a nationwide eviction moratorium. The moratorium went into effect on September 4, 2020 and serves as an extension of sorts, to a previous Executive Order by the Trump Administration which put a moratorium on evictions for those receiving federal rent assistance.
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
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