One of the ways to establish an estate-planning legacy to carry out charitable objectives is the forming of a private foundation. Forming such a private foundation can be complex, but is ultimately intended to enable its philanthropist founder or founders to control assets and direct the foundation’s charitable work. One such famous private foundation is…
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Legislation to Watch: Proposed House Bill 5795 would change requirements of what constitutes a valid Last Will and Testament
The following article was included in the July 31st edition of the Macomb County Probate Bar Association E-Petition. House Bill 5795 (2020) was introduced May 20, 2020 by Reps. Graham Filler and Brian Elder, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary1. The Committee on Judiciary issued its Summary on June 17, 20202. Per the Summary,…
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Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti Welcomes Three New Partners
Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC is proud to announce that it recently admitted Michael Taylor, Attorney Maryanne J. Deneweth and Attorney Patrick S. McKay, as firm partners. Each of these attorneys has made vital contributions to the firm. The promotions signal continued growth and advancement as the firm heads into a new decade. MEET…
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2018 PA 133, Amendment to the Property Tax Act Affecting Principal Residence Exemptions
A recent statutory amendment, consisting of only a few words, could have a significant impact for many Michigan taxpayers in convalescent care. The amendment, effective May 3, 2018 (HB 4905 introduced by Rep. Lucido), amended Michigan’s General Property Tax Act (“GPTA”) , (“Amendment”). Michigan adopted the GPTA to for “uniform general ad valorem taxation of…
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In re Estate Of Duane Francis Horton II MCOA No. 339737 Decided July 17, 2018
In Horton, the Michigan Court of Appeals addressed the question of whether a decedent intended that an electronic document should constitute his Last Will and Testament. The Court analyzed requirements for a valid will, and whether an electronic document can be a valid will under the Estates & Protected Individuals Code (MCL 700.1101, et seq.).…
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2018 PA 575: Amendment to Marketable Record Title Act, MCL 565.101, et seq.
[et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text] An important amendment to the Marketable Record Title Act becomes effective on March 29, 2019. The Amendment renders ineffective one of the most commonly seen phrases in real property transactions: “subject to easements and restrictions of record.” The Amendment requires affirmative renewal of certain claims, encumbrances, interests, and use restrictions in real…
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