- Probate Court May Appoint Guardian Even Though Patient Advocate Already in Place
In the case In re Guardianship of Tyler J. Newland, the Michigan Court of Appeals held in an unpublished decision that a probate court may appoint a guardian for an individual who already has a patient advocate in place. The case involved a hospital that petitioned the probate court for the appointment of a guardian, alleging that a guardian was needed because the advocate for one of the hospital’s patients was not acting consistent with the patient’s best interests.
Why it Matters: This case highlights the need for experienced and effective estate planning legal counsel. For help with your estate planning needs, please contact a member of Fraser Trebilcock’s Trusts & Estates team.
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- Minimum Wage Set to Increase, With or Without Court Action
On Monday, December 5, 2022, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the effective minimum wages for 2023, setting the standard minimum wage at $10.10 per hour.
Why it Matters: The Department’s notice cautioned that the announced rates were subject to change, pending a decision by the Michigan Supreme Court regarding the Michigan Legislature’s amendment to a successful 2018 ballot initiative. In any event, workers and employers can expect higher wage rates in the new year, just how much higher will be determined in the coming weeks and months. Learn more on the subject.
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- The Demise of the Open and Obvious Defense? (Michigan’s Evolution of Premises Liability Law)
Premises liability cases are often litigated in Michigan with considerable difficulty. In a premises liability claim, a possessor of land owes a duty to an invitee to exercise reasonable care to protect them from an unreasonable risk of harm caused by a dangerous condition on the land. However, plaintiffs frequently find difficulty in successfully making claims under a premises liability theory due to the “open and obvious” defense.
Why it Matters: Michigan courts have traditionally held that the hazards presented by snow, snow-covered ice, and observable ice are open and obvious and do not impose a duty on the premises possessor to warn of or remove the hazard. However, the courts appear to be slowly eroding this traditional approach. Learn more on the subject.
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- Tax Changes Coming for Research & Experimental Expenditures
For tax years beginning in 2022, research and experimental (R&E) expenditures are no longer immediately expensed but rather must be amortized over five years (15 years for foreign expenditures). This change to the tax treatment of R&E expenditures was included as a revenue raiser for the federal government to help pay for other tax breaks in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed at the end of 2017.
Why it Matters: Guidance is needed immediately for the 2022 tax year, especially for corporations that must prepare financial statements. The post-2021 tax treatment of R&E expenditures is inconsistent with financial accounting principles that requires most research and development costs to be expensed immediately.
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- Judge Upholds CRA’s Decision to Suspend Licenses for Flint Marijuana Business
As we covered in a previous newsletter, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency suspended Green Culture’s medical and recreational licenses after they were found to have sold unregulated products that may have contained several contaminants, such as mold and/or bacteria. Following a two-day hearing, a judge sided with the state agency and upheld the suspension.
Why it Matters: Marijuana businesses should heed this as a warning, the CRA are cracking down on businesses that do not follow the strict guidelines and rules laid out by the state agency. Contact our cannabis law attorneys if you have any questions.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Trusts & Estates | Melisa M. W. Mysliwiec
Business & Tax | Robert Burgee
Insurance Law | Laura DeMarco
Business & Tax | Paul McCord
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher