Bosco & Rude Law Firm, PLLC

A durable financial power of attorney lets you name an agent to manage money and property if you become unable to act. Michigan adopted a modern Uniform Power of Attorney Act recently, so powers of attorney signed on or after the effective date now have updated form, signature, witness/notary, and agent-duty rules (many financial POAs are presumed durable unless they say otherwise). Because the law changed recently, review or update older POAs to ensure they still work under current rules. For details and official forms, check the State Bar and the new Uniform POA Act. Practical tip: name successor agents, provide limits in writing if you wish, and keep a copy where your agent (and your attorney) can find it quickly.

Michigan recognizes advance healthcare directives and the designation of a patient advocate (sometimes called a healthcare POA). Michigan does not have a separate “living will” statute that makes living wills universally binding the same way some other states do; nevertheless, written instructions and a designated patient advocate are highly useful and commonly honored by providers. Put your healthcare wishes in writing, sign them according to Michigan guidance, and give copies to your chosen patient advocate and your doctors. Practical tip: discuss your values and specific treatment preferences with the person you name as patient advocate so they can carry out your wishes under pressure.

Some probate can be avoided or simplified. Common tools: beneficiary designations (payable-on-death for bank accounts, TOD for securities), joint ownership, and registering certain assets with transfer-on-death forms where allowed. Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) governs transfer-on-death registrations for eligible assets; however, Michigan does not allow a simple transfer-on-death deed for all real estate (though an enhanced life-estate or “Lady Bird” deed may accomplish similar results in limited situations). Proper beneficiary designations and titling are powerful, but each tool has tradeoffs (creditor rights, taxes, unintended disinheritance), so plan carefully. Some probate can be avoided or simplified. Common tools: beneficiary designations (payable-on-death for bank accounts, TOD for securities), joint ownership, and registering certain assets with transfer-on-death forms where allowed. Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) governs transfer-on-death registrations for eligible assets; however, Michigan does not allow a simple transfer-on-death deed for all real estate (though an enhanced life-estate or “Lady Bird” deed may accomplish similar results in limited situations). Proper beneficiary designations and titling are powerful, but each tool has tradeoffs (creditor rights, taxes, unintended disinheritance), so plan carefully.

A will is a written document that states who will inherit your property and who will handle your estate after you pass. It only takes effect at death and must go through probate—the court-supervised process of validating the will, paying debts, and transferring assets. A revocable living trust, by contrast, is a legal arrangement you create while alive. You transfer ownership of assets (such as your home or bank accounts) into the trust and name yourself (or another person) as trustee. Upon death, the successor trustee distributes the assets directly to your beneficiaries without probate, which can save time and maintain privacy. A trust can also manage assets if you become incapacitated. Key points under Michigan law: • Probate: A will always require some probate, even if simplified. A properly funded trust can avoid it. • Privacy: Wills become public record in probate; trusts generally stay private. • Cost and complexity: A basic will is usually less expensive to draft. A trust requires more upfront work (funding the trust and updating titles/beneficiaries), but can reduce later administration costs. • Control during incapacity: A trust allows your chosen trustee to manage trust assets if you can’t, often with less court involvement than a power of attorney alone. Many Michiganders use both: a revocable trust for most assets and a simple “pour-over” will to capture anything left outside the trust. The right choice depends on your goals, the size and type of your estate, and whether privacy or probate avoidance is a priority.

A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed in a Michigan circuit court to establish clear, undisputed ownership of real property. Its purpose is to “quiet” any competing claims or defects in the title so that the court issues a judgment declaring who holds valid ownership. You might need a quiet title action when: • There’s a break or error in the chain of title—for example, a missing deed in past transfers. • Old liens or mortgages appear on record but were never properly discharged. • Fraudulent deeds – someone either forged your signature or conveyed your property when they don’t actually own it • Boundary or survey disputes arise with a neighbor. • Heirs or unknown parties claim an interest in inherited property. • Adverse possession or land-contract issues create uncertainty over who legally owns the property. Having a clear title is essential to sell, refinance, or fully enjoy the property. Without it, buyers or lenders may refuse to proceed, and title insurance may be denied. Key Michigan point: Quiet title actions are governed by Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) §600.2932 and related statutes. The plaintiff must name all parties who might claim an interest and provide evidence of superior ownership. A successful judgment “quiets” competing claims, giving you a marketable title.

The notice type and timing depend on the reason for eviction: • Non-payment of rent: 7-day “Demand for Possession – Nonpayment of Rent.” • Material lease violation (other than nonpayment): 30-day “Notice to Quit –Termination of Tenancy” (or 7 days for serious health/safety issues). • Termination of month-to-month tenancy without cause: 30-day notice. Use the correct statutory form and serve it properly (personal delivery, first-class mail, or certified mail). If the tenant does not comply or vacate by the deadline, you may file a complaint for possession in district court. See MCL 600.5714–600.5716.

Michigan’s Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601 et seq.) caps the deposit at 1.5 times the monthly rent. You must: • Provide a written inventory checklist at move-in. • Hold the deposit in a regulated financial institution and give the tenant the account information in writing. • Return the deposit (minus itemized damages beyond normal wear) within 30 days after move-out, along with a damage itemization. If you miss deadlines or fail to give the required notices, you can lose the right to withhold any of the deposit and may owe double damages.

You can include certain cost-shifting clauses, but the Michigan Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631 et seq.) limits them. • Any clause making the tenant pay “all” attorney fees or waiving rights granted by law is void and unenforceable. • You may recover statutory attorney fees and court costs awarded by a judge if you prevail in an eviction. Always review lease language for prohibited terms—violations can lead to penalties and invalidate portions of the lease.

Bosco & Rude Law Firm, PLLC provides estate planning, administration, litigation, asset and tax planning, wills, trusts, probate administration, real estate law, and business formation services in the Metro Detroit area.

The firm is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with nights and weekends available by appointment.

The firm is located at 4316 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323, USA.

You can reach them by phone at +1 248-702-7020, by alternate phone at +1 248-702-5070, via fax at +1 248-681-7766, or email at info@boscorudelawfirm.com.

Yes, the firm has a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom facilities to accommodate clients with disabilities.

Yes, appointments are required to meet with the firm.

The firm provides services in English.

Nearby places include Lifetime Dental Michigan for dental services, Rave Yoga & Fitness and Fitness 19 for fitness activities, Jen's Gifts of Love bakery and coffee shop, and Loya Organic Mediterranean restaurant for dining options.

Yes, you can find Bank of America Financial Center and Flagstar Bank nearby, as well as Western Union money transfer services, which can be helpful for managing financial matters related to legal services.

Nearby wellness services include Elysium Medical Esthetics medical spa, True Natural Spa & Salt Room day spa, and Touch of Europe Day Spa for relaxation and beauty treatments.