Month: February 2015

Summary of Changes to Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act that Affect Nonprofit Corporations

Effective January 15, 2015, Governor Snyder signed into law Senate Bills 623, 624 and 929.  These three Bills amend the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “Act”) which is the law under which most Michigan nonprofit corporations operate.  Some of the amendments described below will require action by management to amend bylaws or articles of incorporation, but most will not.  A summary of some of the important amendments to the Act appear below:

1) Amendments to the Act that affect management of the corporation: Continue reading Summary of Changes to Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act that Affect Nonprofit Corporations

The Cobbler’s Children Syndrome & Estate Planning

Hands-with-Paper-Doll-Family“So why did you finally execute a will?” Last week, this provocative question was in my LinkedIn feed, asked by someone in the funeral industry. One attorney posted that she eagerly awaited the responses.  So far, there are none.  Why?  Because most people haven’t executed a will.

For years, I’ve heard statistics that less than half of all Americans have a will. Rocket Lawyer reports that 64% of Americans do not have a will and 55% of Americans with children do not have a will.  When Rocket Lawyer asked why, the most common reason given by 57% was that they “just haven’t gotten around to making one.” Continue reading The Cobbler’s Children Syndrome & Estate Planning

Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Volunteers to Help Seniors with their Taxes

Filing taxes can be a daunting and confusing process, especially for seniors. But there is help available in mid-Michigan, through the Tri-County Office on Aging.

This tax season, Fraser Trebilcock attorney and former Ingham County Circuit Court Judge, Paula Manderfield will be available to help prepare 2014 income and property tax credit forms, as a volunteer with the tax counseling program. The program is offered by the Tri-County Office on Aging in conjunction with AARP and the IRS. Volunteer tax preparers will be located in Delta Township, East Lansing, Okemos, and downtown Lansing. In addition, volunteers will visit several Senior Centers to prepare tax returns on site for residents. Continue reading Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Volunteers to Help Seniors with their Taxes

Attorney Mark Kellogg Presents on Succession Planning for Family Businesses

Hands-with-Paper-Doll-Family

What’s going to happen to your family business after you die? Business owners must plan for succession or transition for when that time comes, and should be included in your estate and succession plans.

Today, attorney Mark Kellogg shared his insight with the Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council, at a meeting on estate and succession planning for family and closely-held businesses. His presentation included a look at:

Could You Win Money From an Icy Fall? Our Attorney Weighs In.

Rogers, Gary Interview Screen ShotWith the current amount of snow and ice in Michigan, slips and falls are going to happen. Even the most cautious pedestrian can fall victim to hidden black ice. But do you know what to do if you fall or someone falls on your property?

Attorney Gary Rogers was interviewed yesterday by Joy Wang with WILX, for a story regarding personal injury situations in slippery winter weather. With falls on the rise, would you be able to recover any damages? The short answer is not likely. Continue reading Could You Win Money From an Icy Fall? Our Attorney Weighs In.