Footbridge over the Huron River in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A great spot for a picnic.

Land and Water Boundary Attorney

You might think, Who Cares? There are more than a few good property boundary attorneys in Michigan. I consider myself fortunate to be included in that group; but, additionally and more importantly, I am a legal subdivision boundary attorney. You further may think, What’s that?

A boundary attorney has specialized knowledge in the public land (federal) surveys that make up this state. It’s not exactly a brotherhood as I know of no such practioners other than myself and those who associate with me. We know it; and we know it well. It has taken years to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It’s something I remember touching upon in property class for a session or two in law school; that’s it. I know now that law should have been covered over two semesters, at least. It is the legal bases of our entire lands and waters.

Briefly, all public survey boundaries were created, graphically illustrated and transferred accordingly by a political department of the federal government. They are conclusive and unchangeable by any court, federal or state. When you know boundary law, there’s no need to pay an attorney to file suit for purposes of asking a judge what is or isn’t land or water and, especially, what is or isn’t riparian. When you know boundary law, you know that it very rarely is a matter under the jurisdiction of any court; that it was decided by a political department of the federal government two centuries ago with the directive that it will never change. You know that judicial decisions are void. When you know it, though, you begin to realize how important boundary law is to our federal, state and local governments. You realize how important it is to so many of our institutions and to so much of our way of life in such a beautiful land and water haven as the State of Michigan.

For answers to all of your questions concerning federal surveys, effects of meander and traverse lines, riparian rights and any other lake, river and stream ownership and easement matters,

Contact: Lake Property Law, PLC.

Cottage Usage Agreements

Addressing use and maintenance issues of lake home, cabin and cottage property according to the direction of co-owners is likely to keep the cottage in the family for the next generation or more. Likewise, though, boundaries and titles to future holders of those ownership interests must be correctly conveyed.

What good are plans if they are accompanied by erroreous deeds or other documents which convey future interests? If not correct, multiple probate court matters will lie ahead regarding ownership which is not the start that owners and heirs expect.

Dock Condominiums: Buying and Selling of Units

Assisting in the development as well as the buying and selling of all types of site condominium slips. Especially advantageous in this instance is the assurance of proper ownership of dock and slip units and other related common elements, as well as boundaries and titles of condo bottomlands and access to them.

Property by a lake

Lake Cottage and Home Taxation Appeals

It’s nearly that time of year, again. Make sure you attend local boards of review to preserve your right to properly appeal your property tax valuations if you don’t have success in resolving the matter at that level. Having represented a city and many townships, as well as many businesses and private homeowners in these ad valorem appeals for years, current focus is now isolated to lake and river homes and properties.

Contact Lake Property Law Now.

Use of Inland Lakes by the Public

Buying and Selling Water Properties

Buyers and sellers should have relevant surveys and titles thoroughly explained to them prior to execution of any binding purchase and sale documents. It’s an absolute necessity that there be an understanding of what is riparian and what is simply land with water on it. Documents must be prepared to effectively convey titles and other rights. In other words, property descriptions are extremely technical and, whether you are buyer or seller, you better get it right. It can be extremely costly if you don’t.

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Cottage, Cabin and Lake Home Access

Many decades of public road commission and private access litigation experience in many counties throughout the state.

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Public and Private Water Access

Many decades of experience representing county road commissions as well as private owners of lake properties regarding lake home, cottage and water access matters

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Copper Harbor in Northern Michigan's Upper Peninsula during Summer via Drone

Dock and Mooring Battles

This is truly an interesting problem that plagues nearly every lake in Michigan at one time or another. It’s not unlike fence placement on dry land

Remember this. Land boundaries call for exactness. On the other hand, the location of property lines which belong underwater are wide open for resolution in a number of ways. The most prudent survey supported by sound logic usually wins. IT IS NOT A SCIENCE!

Contact Lake Property Law, PLC.