{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Black River Law PLLC","home_page_url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com","description":"Black River Law PLLC","author":{"name":"Black River Law PLLC"},"items":[{"id":"michigan-quiet-title-actions","html_content":"

Problems with real estate ownership don’t always show up right away. Most people only discover them when they try to sell, refinance, or transfer property—and something doesn’t line up.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan-quiet-title-actions","title":"Michigan Quiet Title Actions","date_modified":"2026-04-24T14:20:11Z"},{"id":"can-you-evict-a-family-member-in-michigan","html_content":"

It’s more common than people think—someone moves in to help out, or “just for a little while,” and then they won’t leave.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/can-you-evict-a-family-member-in-michigan","title":"Can You Evict a Family Member in Michigan?","date_modified":"2026-04-18T14:38:07Z"},{"id":"avoid-financial-mistakes-before-divorce-in-michigan","html_content":"

What Happens Before a Divorce Is Filed Matters More Than You Think\nIf you are thinking about filing for divorce, the most important financial decisions you make may happen before anything is ever filed with the court. Th...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/avoid-financial-mistakes-before-divorce-in-michigan","title":"Avoid Financial Mistakes Before Divorce in Michigan","date_modified":"2026-04-11T13:01:52Z"},{"id":"do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-represent-your-llc-in-michigan-courts","html_content":"

If you own a limited liability company (LLC), you might assume you can represent your business in court the same way you would represent yourself.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-represent-your-llc-in-michigan-courts","title":"Do You Need a Lawyer to Represent Your LLC in Michigan Courts? ","date_modified":"2026-04-04T13:49:53Z"},{"id":"flat-rate-deed-preparation-in-michigan-a-simple-process","html_content":"

Preparing and recording a deed in Michigan involves more than just filling in names and signing a document. As discussed in our prior article, even small errors can lead to delays, rejection, or issues with title down th...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/flat-rate-deed-preparation-in-michigan-a-simple-process","title":"Flat-Rate Deed Preparation in Michigan: A Simple Process","date_modified":"2026-03-28T13:24:27Z"},{"id":"recording-a-deed-in-michigan-what-property-owners-should-know","html_content":"

What a Deed Does (and Why Recording Matters)

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/recording-a-deed-in-michigan-what-property-owners-should-know","title":"Recording a Deed in Michigan: What Property Owners Should Know","date_modified":"2026-03-28T13:05:20Z"},{"id":"fired-in-michigan-when-a-termination-may-be-illegal","html_content":"

Losing your job can feel sudden, confusing, and unfair—especially when you are given little or no explanation for why it happened.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/fired-in-michigan-when-a-termination-may-be-illegal","title":"Fired in Michigan? When a Termination May Be Illegal","date_modified":"2026-03-21T18:48:22Z"},{"id":"insurance-claim-denied-in-michigan-what-you-should-do-next","html_content":"

You paid your premiums. You followed the rules. And now, when you actually need coverage, your insurance company says your claim is denied—or offers far less than expected.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/insurance-claim-denied-in-michigan-what-you-should-do-next","title":"Insurance Claim Denied in Michigan? What You Should Do Next","date_modified":"2026-03-21T18:17:04Z"},{"id":"the-michigan-3-year-deadline-for-injury-claims","html_content":"

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Michigan, you may have heard that you have three years to bring a claim.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/the-michigan-3-year-deadline-for-injury-claims","title":"The Michigan 3-Year Deadline for Injury Claims","date_modified":"2026-03-21T17:30:43Z"},{"id":"flat-rate-land-contract-services-in-michigan","html_content":"

Land contracts are widely used throughout Michigan, particularly in rural areas and private sales where traditional financing is not always available. When done correctly, they can be an effective and flexible way to str...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/flat-rate-land-contract-services-in-michigan","title":"Flat Rate Land Contract Services in Michigan","date_modified":"2026-03-21T14:55:10Z"},{"id":"what-happens-if-a-buyer-defaults-on-a-land-contract-in-michigan","html_content":"

Land contracts are a common way to buy and sell property in Michigan—especially in rural areas like Gogebic, Ontonagon, and throughout the Upper Peninsula. They offer flexibility when traditional financing is not availab...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/what-happens-if-a-buyer-defaults-on-a-land-contract-in-michigan","title":"What Happens If a Buyer Defaults on a Land Contract in Michigan?","date_modified":"2026-03-21T14:43:53Z"},{"id":"why-hiring-a-divorce-lawyer-can-protect-you","html_content":"

Divorce is not just the end of a relationship. It is also a legal and financial process that can affect your property, finances, and family life for many years.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/why-hiring-a-divorce-lawyer-can-protect-you","title":"Why Hiring a Divorce Lawyer Can Protect You","date_modified":"2026-03-14T15:26:42Z"},{"id":"michigan-property-tax-uncapping-explained","html_content":"

Many Michigan property owners are surprised to learn that property taxes can increase significantly after a property is sold or transferred. This often happens because of what is known as “uncapping.” If you own Michigan...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan-property-tax-uncapping-explained","title":"Michigan Property Tax Uncapping Explained","date_modified":"2026-03-07T22:12:41Z"},{"id":"michigan-3-year-property-tax-rule-what-happens-if-you-don%E2%80%99t-pay","html_content":"

Falling behind on property taxes can feel overwhelming. In Michigan, unpaid taxes follow a strict legal timeline that can ultimately lead to foreclosure and loss of ownership.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan-3-year-property-tax-rule-what-happens-if-you-don%E2%80%99t-pay","title":"Michigan 3-Year Property Tax Rule: What Happens If You Don’t Pay","date_modified":"2026-02-28T15:45:45Z"},{"id":"a-guide-to-michigan-landlord%E2%80%99s-right-of-entry","html_content":"

Landlord access to a tenant’s home is one of the fastest ways for a routine maintenance issue to turn into a legal dispute. Michigan law protects a tenant’s possession and privacy, but it also recognizes that landlords s...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/a-guide-to-michigan-landlord%E2%80%99s-right-of-entry","title":"A Guide to Michigan Landlord’s Right of Entry","date_modified":"2026-02-21T14:15:41Z"},{"id":"michigan-judgment-enforcement-options-beyond-garnishment","html_content":"

Winning a money judgment is only step one. Step two is collection—figuring out what the debtor owns, what the law allows you to reach, and which enforcement tools will actually produce results. In Michigan, judgment enfo...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan-judgment-enforcement-options-beyond-garnishment","title":"Michigan Judgment Enforcement Options Beyond Garnishment","date_modified":"2026-02-14T14:28:11Z"},{"id":"living-together-during-a-michigan-divorce-what-to-consider","html_content":"

When a divorce begins, many couples continue living in the same home. In Michigan, this often feels like the most practical option—housing is limited, finances are intertwined, and children may be involved. Unfortunately...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/living-together-during-a-michigan-divorce-what-to-consider","title":"Living Together During a Michigan Divorce: What to Consider","date_modified":"2026-02-07T18:14:00Z"},{"id":"going-to-trial-in-a-michigan-civil-case-what-to-expect","html_content":"

A Practical Guide for Local Residents Facing a Legal Dispute

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/going-to-trial-in-a-michigan-civil-case-what-to-expect","title":"Going to Trial in a Michigan Civil Case: What to Expect","date_modified":"2026-01-31T15:42:50Z"},{"id":"tiny-homes-in-michigan-why-the-rules-depend-on-the-municipality","html_content":"

Tiny homes are appealing for a lot of reasons—lower cost, simpler living, and the ability to place a small dwelling on rural or recreational land. But in Michigan, the most important thing to understand is this:

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/tiny-homes-in-michigan-why-the-rules-depend-on-the-municipality","title":"Tiny Homes in Michigan: Why the Rules Depend on the Municipality","date_modified":"2026-01-24T15:15:26Z"},{"id":"are-holographic-wills-valid-in-michigan","html_content":"

Many people assume that writing their wishes down on a piece of paper is enough to create a valid will. In Michigan, a handwritten document—often called a holographic will—can be legally valid, but only if specific requi...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/are-holographic-wills-valid-in-michigan","title":"Are Holographic Wills Valid in Michigan?","date_modified":"2026-01-17T15:36:52Z"},{"id":"who-is-liable-for-a-dog-bite-in-michigan","html_content":"

Dog bites are more common than most people think—especially in ordinary situations like visiting a friend’s home, walking past a yard, or delivering a package. When a bite happens, people usually have the same questions:

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/who-is-liable-for-a-dog-bite-in-michigan","title":"Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Michigan?","date_modified":"2026-01-10T13:57:54Z"},{"id":"the-legal-risks-of-delaying-probate-to-%E2%80%9Csave-money%E2%80%9D-in-michigan","html_content":"

After a loved one passes away, many families delay opening probate because they believe waiting will save money. In Michigan, that assumption can be costly.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/the-legal-risks-of-delaying-probate-to-%E2%80%9Csave-money%E2%80%9D-in-michigan","title":"The Legal Risks of Delaying Probate to “Save Money” in Michigan","date_modified":"2026-01-03T16:28:24Z"},{"id":"michigan-child-support-guidelines-what-you-need-to-know","html_content":"

Note: This guide has been updated to reflect the 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula changes effective January 1, 2025.

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan-child-support-guidelines-what-you-need-to-know","title":"Michigan Child Support Guidelines: What You Need to Know","date_modified":"2025-12-27T15:20:19Z"},{"id":"gifting-money-or-property-in-michigan-what-families-should-know","html_content":"

Families across Michigan often transfer money or property for good reasons—helping a child buy a home, simplifying ownership, or supporting a family member during a difficult time. These transfers are usually made with t...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/gifting-money-or-property-in-michigan-what-families-should-know","title":"Gifting Money or Property in Michigan: What Families Should Know","date_modified":"2025-12-20T15:29:05Z"},{"id":"how-domestic-violence-affects-custody-and-divorce-in-michigan","html_content":"

Domestic violence affects families across Michigan, including throughout the Upper Peninsula. When abuse occurs within a relationship, it can shape many aspects of a divorce or custody case. These are difficult and emoti...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/how-domestic-violence-affects-custody-and-divorce-in-michigan","title":"How Domestic Violence Affects Custody and Divorce in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-12-13T13:47:15Z"},{"id":"prenuptial-agreements-in-michigan","html_content":"

Prenuptial agreements—commonly called “prenups”—are increasingly discussed in Michigan as a way to establish clarity and expectations regarding financial matters before marriage. Michigan law recognizes these agreements ...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/prenuptial-agreements-in-michigan","title":"Prenuptial Agreements in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-12-06T16:23:41Z"},{"id":"facilitative-mediation-in-michigan","html_content":"

When disputes arise—whether involving property, neighbors, contractors, businesses, or family matters—people often wonder how the Michigan court system handles early resolution. One tool that frequently appears in Michig...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/facilitative-mediation-in-michigan","title":"Facilitative Mediation in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-11-29T15:14:48Z"},{"id":"different-types-of-deeds-in-michigan","html_content":"

What Property Owners Should Know

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/different-types-of-deeds-in-michigan","title":"Different Types of Deeds in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-11-22T14:53:09Z"},{"id":"how-fast-does-a-divorce-move-in-michigan","html_content":"

One of the most common concerns people have when starting a divorce is how long the process will take. Michigan law sets mandatory waiting periods, but the real timeline depends on several practical factors—your county, ...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/how-fast-does-a-divorce-move-in-michigan","title":"How Fast Does a Divorce Move in Michigan?","date_modified":"2025-11-15T19:11:51Z"},{"id":"why-hiring-a-lawyer-often-costs-less-than-going-without-one","html_content":"

At first glance, the cost of hiring a lawyer may seem high. But in reality, my rates are comparable to what you might pay an accountant, mechanic, or other skilled service technician. Like those professionals, lawyers ha...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/why-hiring-a-lawyer-often-costs-less-than-going-without-one","title":"Why Hiring a Lawyer Often Costs Less Than Going Without One","date_modified":"2025-11-08T13:38:09Z"},{"id":"how-to-serve-eviction-papers-in-mi-when-tenants-avoid-service","html_content":"

Understanding Service Requirements Under Michigan Law

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/how-to-serve-eviction-papers-in-mi-when-tenants-avoid-service","title":"How to Serve Eviction Papers in MI When Tenants Avoid Service","date_modified":"2025-11-01T14:21:05Z"},{"id":"michigan-llcs-vs-sole-proprietorships","html_content":"

Starting a business in Michigan often begins with one simple question: Should I operate as a sole proprietor or form a limited liability company (LLC)? Both options are common for small business owners, but they differ g...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan-llcs-vs-sole-proprietorships","title":"Michigan LLCs vs. Sole Proprietorships","date_modified":"2025-10-26T17:36:37Z"},{"id":"save-your-family-stress-time-and-money-with-simple-planning","html_content":"

Estate planning isn’t just about signing a will or naming beneficiaries — it’s about making life easier for the people you love when you’re no longer here to help them. As an attorney, I often see families struggle not b...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/save-your-family-stress-time-and-money-with-simple-planning","title":"Save Your Family Stress, Time, and Money with Simple Planning","date_modified":"2025-10-19T18:00:04Z"},{"id":"understanding-marital-vs-separate-property-in-a-michigan-divorce","html_content":"

When a marriage ends, few questions cause more tension than who gets the house. For many couples, the home is their most valuable asset, and the place where memories, children, and financial futures are deeply intertwine...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/understanding-marital-vs-separate-property-in-a-michigan-divorce","title":"Understanding Marital vs. Separate Property in a Michigan Divorce","date_modified":"2025-10-11T14:11:12Z"},{"id":"how-to-collect-a-michigan-judgment-through-garnishment","html_content":"

By Black River Law PLLC – Serving Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/how-to-collect-a-michigan-judgment-through-garnishment","title":"How to Collect a Michigan Judgment Through Garnishment","date_modified":"2025-10-04T23:41:05Z"},{"id":"michigan%E2%80%99s-new-partition-law","html_content":"

On April 2, 2025, Michigan’s new Uniform Partition of Heirs’ Property Act (UPHPA) took effect. This change is designed to make it fairer and easier for families to keep property that has been passed down for generations ...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/michigan%E2%80%99s-new-partition-law","title":"Michigan’s New Partition Law","date_modified":"2025-09-26T20:53:20Z"},{"id":"understanding-promissory-estoppel-in-michigan","html_content":"

Promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that steps in when one party makes a promise that another party reasonably relies upon to their detriment—even if there’s no formal contract. In Michigan, promissory estoppel helps...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/understanding-promissory-estoppel-in-michigan","title":"Understanding Promissory Estoppel in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-09-21T17:49:34Z"},{"id":"what-to-do-if-a-contractor-takes-your-money","html_content":"

Introduction\nUnfortunately, many Michigan homeowners have faced a common nightmare: they hire a contractor, pay thousands of dollars up front, and then the contractor disappears without completing the job—or never starts...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/what-to-do-if-a-contractor-takes-your-money","title":"What to Do If a Contractor Takes Your Money","date_modified":"2025-09-13T23:24:53Z"},{"id":"land-contracts-in-michigan-how-to-avoid-pitfalls","html_content":"

Land contracts remain a common way to buy and sell property in Michigan, especially in rural areas like Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. While they can be a practical solution for buyers who cannot obtain traditional fina...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/land-contracts-in-michigan-how-to-avoid-pitfalls","title":"Land Contracts in Michigan: How to Avoid Pitfalls","date_modified":"2025-09-06T13:43:06Z"},{"id":"understanding-the-lawsuit-process-in-michigan-what-to-expect","html_content":"

Most people hope never to be involved in a lawsuit. But if you find yourself in court — whether as a plaintiff (the one filing) or a defendant (the one being sued) — knowing the steps in the process can make things far l...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/understanding-the-lawsuit-process-in-michigan-what-to-expect","title":"Understanding the Lawsuit Process in Michigan: What to Expect","date_modified":"2025-08-30T15:04:24Z"},{"id":"understanding-deed-restrictions-in-michigan","html_content":"

What Are Deed Restrictions?

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/understanding-deed-restrictions-in-michigan","title":"Understanding Deed Restrictions in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-08-22T23:21:16Z"},{"id":"6-assets-you-usually-shouldn%E2%80%99t-put-in-your-michigan-living-trust","html_content":"

A living trust can be a powerful estate planning tool in Michigan — it helps you avoid probate, keeps your affairs private, and makes things smoother for your family. But some assets don’t belong in your trust because th...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/6-assets-you-usually-shouldn%E2%80%99t-put-in-your-michigan-living-trust","title":"6 Assets You Usually Shouldn’t Put in Your Michigan Living Trust ","date_modified":"2025-08-16T14:34:01Z"},{"id":"why-you-need-your-own-divorce-attorney","html_content":"

When a couple decides to divorce, it’s common for one spouse to reach out to a lawyer first. Sometimes, the other spouse is told — or assumes — that the lawyer is “for both of them.” This can lead to costly misunderstand...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/why-you-need-your-own-divorce-attorney","title":"Why You Need Your Own Divorce Attorney","date_modified":"2025-08-09T17:24:36Z"},{"id":"do-i-need-a-new-survey-before-selling-my-property","html_content":"

If you’re preparing to sell property in Michigan—whether it’s a wooded parcel in the Upper Peninsula, a lakefront lot, or a home in town—one of the most common questions is: do I need to get a new survey? The answer isn’...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/do-i-need-a-new-survey-before-selling-my-property","title":"Do I Need a New Survey Before Selling My Property?","date_modified":"2025-08-01T00:14:34Z"},{"id":"do-you-really-need-a-will-and-a-trust","html_content":"

Why This Question Matters\nMany people wonder whether they really need both a will and a trust. The answer depends on your goals, the nature of your assets, and your family circumstances. Both tools serve important functi...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/do-you-really-need-a-will-and-a-trust","title":"Do You Really Need a Will and a Trust?","date_modified":"2025-07-25T18:59:03Z"},{"id":"perjury-in-michigan-the-crime-of-lying-under-oath","html_content":"

In every legal matter—whether it's a court hearing, deposition, or affidavit—truthfulness isn’t just expected. It’s required. When someone knowingly lies under oath, they may be committing perjury, a felony under Michiga...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/perjury-in-michigan-the-crime-of-lying-under-oath","title":"Perjury in Michigan: The Crime of Lying Under Oath","date_modified":"2025-07-17T23:34:09Z"},{"id":"avoiding-probate-in-michigan-5-tools-that-actually-work","html_content":"

Probate can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for families—especially during an already difficult time. The good news? In Michigan, there are several effective ways to pass your assets to your loved ones withou...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/avoiding-probate-in-michigan-5-tools-that-actually-work","title":"Avoiding Probate in Michigan: 5 Tools That Actually Work","date_modified":"2025-07-12T00:39:32Z"},{"id":"when-is-a-michigan-estate-required-to-go-through-probate","html_content":"

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, or you’re planning your own estate, one of the first questions that comes up is: Will the estate have to go through probate in Michigan?

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/when-is-a-michigan-estate-required-to-go-through-probate","title":"When Is a Michigan Estate Required to Go Through Probate?","date_modified":"2025-07-03T14:27:43Z"},{"id":"serving-as-personal-representative-here%E2%80%99s-what-can-go-wrong","html_content":"

When someone dies, Michigan law requires someone to step in and take care of the legal and financial loose ends—paying off debts, filing court documents, securing property, and eventually distributing what’s left to the ...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/serving-as-personal-representative-here%E2%80%99s-what-can-go-wrong","title":"Serving as Personal Representative? Here’s What Can Go Wrong","date_modified":"2025-06-26T15:22:49Z"},{"id":"grandparent-visitation-rights-in-michigan","html_content":"

In Michigan, grandparents often play an important role in raising and supporting their grandchildren—especially in rural communities like those in Gogebic, Ontonagon, and Houghton Counties. But what happens when family d...

","url":"https://blackriverlawpllc.com/black-river-law-library/f/grandparent-visitation-rights-in-michigan","title":"Grandparent Visitation Rights in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-06-18T17:27:26Z"}]}