Published Opinion Clarifies Burden of Proof for Breach
By Doug Chalgian on March 5, 2021
The burden of proof required to surcharge a fiduciary for breach of fiduciary duty in Michigan is a preponderance of the evidence. This is made clear in...
COA Says Don’t “Hyperanalyze” Confusing Codicil
By Doug Chalgian on February 27, 2021
A new unpublished case looks at how to construe a clearly ambiguous codicil when extrinsic evidence fails to enlighten the court as to the testator’s intent. In...
Lack of Diligence in Discovery Justifies MSD
By Doug Chalgian on February 20, 2021
Two siblings each petition to have a different version of Mom’s Will admitted. Through their respective attorneys, Bruce offers the 2007 Will and Jennifer offers a 2018 Will....
Two from the Asplund Clan
By Doug Chalgian on November 26, 2020
Two new unpublished cases from the Court of Appeals deal with Roberta Asplund and her malcontent child Randall. Roberta is subject to both a guardianship and conservatorship. At...
AFCs Not Protected by Med Mal Law
By Doug Chalgian on October 24, 2020
In a published opinion, the Michigan Court of Appeals announced that the law that shields many types of care facilities from ordinary negligence actions, by deeming them subject...
Missing the Snuggle Time
By Doug Chalgian on May 29, 2020
I’ve participated in a few court hearings via Zoom and had my first contested Zoom hearing this week. I understand the plan is for us to return to...
Another Stop at the Last Resort
By Doug Chalgian on May 18, 2020
Suitability to serve as guardian and conservator of an impaired adult is the topic of this unpublished Court of Appeals decision. To read In Re Guardianship and Conservatorship...
ILIT Survives Termination Attempt
By Doug Chalgian on May 17, 2020
[This post involves tax planning concepts and jargon. Some readers might benefit from a refresher on these topics before diving in. I’ve attempted to provide that refresher at...
Tall Tales and Back Woods Justice
By Doug Chalgian on May 2, 2020
This new unpublished decision from the Court of Appeals comes out of Ogemaw County. Ogemaw is a small out-of-the-way county, with a lot of rivers and trees. Right...
And In Other News
By Doug Chalgian on April 25, 2020
Let’s take a break from COVID things and look at a new published opinion out of Marquette and an unpublished opinion from Mt. Clemens. Getting Greiff over Erwin...
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