A Saturday Twofer
By Doug Chalgian on May 13, 2023
In the cases released by the Michigan Court of Appeals this week, I find two cases that combined provide just enough meat for one juicy nut (aka,...
Discovery Deviousness leads to Dismissal
By Doug Chalgian on March 18, 2023
Although, In Re Gregory Hall Trust is a published decision arising out of trust litigation, the case is really about discovery sanctions. [Click on the name to...
COA Explains Leave to Amend
By Doug Chalgian on March 23, 2022
This post is about when a litigant can amend their pleadings, and specifically, the meaning of the phrase: “Leave shall be freely given when justice so requires”...
COA Contorts Itself to Hold that a Conservator and Next Friend can Coexist
By Doug Chalgian on January 18, 2022
In this recently released unpublished opinion, Spouse A is conservator over Spouse B. Niece has herself appointed next friend for Spouse B and initiates a divorce proceeding against...
Strict Adherence to MCR 5.120 Required
By Doug Chalgian on April 12, 2020
MCR 5.120 is an important, often underused, tool to help litigants settle contested probate matters. One of the difficulties with settling probate cases is that you often have...
Michigan’s New Discovery Rules Part 5
By Doug Chalgian on September 20, 2019
Conclusions and Impressions 1. Upping Your Game The impact of these new rules can hardly be overstated. Those who dabble in litigation will need to think seriously about...
Michigan’s New Discovery Rules Part 4
By Doug Chalgian on September 19, 2019
In addition to the limitations imposed by the definition of the scope of discovery, the new rules specifically limit certain discovery tools, and more thoroughly address the discoverability...
Michigan’s New Discovery Rules Part 3
By Doug Chalgian on September 17, 2019
Required Disclosure The changes to the scope of discovery are dramatic; but the impact of those changes pales in comparison to the new rules regarding required disclosures. What...
Michigan’s New Discovery Rules Part 2
By Doug Chalgian on September 17, 2019
Proceeding or Civil Action The distinction between a “probate proceeding” versus a “civil action” which happens to be initiated in a probate court, remains unaltered. MCR 5.101. For...
Michigan’s New Discovery Rules Part 1
By Doug Chalgian on September 16, 2019
Litigation of all types will soon be more complicated and more expensive, probate litigation included. This development comes about because of the extensive revisions to the Michigan Court...
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