The Ins and Outs of Cottage Succession Planning in Michigan (Part Two)

This is part two of a two-part blog post series on cottage succession planning in Michigan. As summer winds down, the second-home market continues to heat up in Michigan. One of the issues many second-home owners face is determining the best way to … [Read more...]

The Ins and Outs of Cottage Succession Planning in Michigan (Part One)

This is part one of a two-part blog post series on cottage succession planning in Michigan. The family cottage is a place for fun and relaxation in Michigan. It’s where different generations gather and form lifelong memories. When purchasing a … [Read more...]

Chicago Tribune Feature

Cottage law attorney Mark Kellogg was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune for an article detailing the intricacies of vacation properties left behind for families, and the importance of implementing a succession plan before a family member has passed … [Read more...]

Ten Reasons Why You May Want to Consider a Family Cottage Succession Plan

The goal of cottage succession planning is to set up legal ground rules that provide the best chance to keep a cottage in the family for future generations. A cottage plan usually addresses concerns through the creative use of a limited liability … [Read more...]

Incorrect 2017 Notice of Assessment?

Notices of Assessment need to be sent by Townships to homeowners by March 1.  PLEASE NOTE, if you believe that your taxable and/or assessed value is incorrect, you may protest to the Local Board of Review, but you have a VERY limited time in which to … [Read more...]

MI Uncapping Laws-Legislative Update January, 2017

The subject of property taxes on Michigan real estate, particularly vacation property, has received a great deal of attention lately.  Because of recent changes in the property tax system in Michigan, it is now possible to transfer ownership of … [Read more...]

Boston Globe Article

This article quoting Mr. Fry appeared in the Boston Globe on November 25, 2016. https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/11/25/leaving-summer-cottage-your-children-consider-llc/zfW0183N1ankHMCNpcSWFI/story.html … [Read more...]

CLIENTS–NEW PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON UNCAPPING-ACTION NEEDED!

Cottage Law Clients and Friends: Many of you have contacted me in the past and expressed interest in any new or potentially new legislation in Michigan regarding “uncapping” of property values for property tax purposes.  As many of you know, the law … [Read more...]

PUBLIC ACT 310 NOW EFFECTIVE!

PUBLIC ACT 310 NOW EFFECTIVE! Public Act 310 of 2014 (HB 5552) was passed and signed by Governor Snyder in October, 2014. This new law created another exemption from the “uncapping” of property values for property tax purposes on transfers of … [Read more...]

PUBLIC ACT 497 NOW EFFECTIVE!

Public Act (PA) 497 was passed and signed by Governor Snyder in December, 2012, and created an exemption from “uncapping” of property values for property tax purposes on transfers of ownership of residential property (including vacation property) if … [Read more...]