» LeClair L. Flaherty

In Michigan, any document that says who gets what after one’s death and that meets specific requirements constitutes a valid will.  There are exceptions to this general rule, however, allowing certain less formal documents to also qualify as wills…

Most people know that if they marry or divorce and begin using a different last name, they must obtain a new Social Security card. What seems to be less-widely known is that a new Social Security card must also be obtained for each dependent child wh…

I have a client who recently moved from his own home into assisted living.  He’s not likely to return home to live, yet he does not want to sell.  This is not an uncommon situation in my practice.  One of the concerns for my clients who find the…

We’ve experienced a noticeable uptick of interest in security protocols for locations considered to be “soft targets” for individuals bent on doing violence.  These are scary times; and, while none of us wants to be intimidated into cowering a…

(To Report Cash Transactions) I once facilitated a closing in which my clients sold a very modest home to a young couple for $10,000.  What made this transaction interesting was that the couple paid for the house with cash, all in small bills.  I s…

One aspect of my practice that I really enjoy is helping nonprofit organizations achieve exemption from federal income tax. The exemption process involves the filing of an application with the IRS and a review process that can take months. A questio…

I have a talented client who, after retiring from a prestigious career and honing his skills as a photographer, has produced an impressive body of visual art. His collection includes images of models who pose for photographs for their professional po…

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has been hard at work updating its processes.  There is more to come, but its latest announcement is that corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships can now renew as…