The Dingeman & Dancer Blog consists of articles, news, and press releases written and edited by the attorneys and legal professionals at our firm, providing updates on both recent legal developments and established advice and guidance. Choose from the various topics listed in the sidebar menu to narrow in on a particular focus.

Local Interest: 100+ Years of Affordable Housing in Traverse City; Affordable Housing circa 2005

In recent months, tall buildings, development, and affordable housing have been at the epicenter of discussion and debate in the Traverse City community. Traverse City’s economy is based, in large part, on the service industry and light manufacturing, but property values are driven by the high demand for residential real estate. This unique dichotomy has created a housing imbalance and…

Read More

New Law May Result in Tax Refunds for Michigan Home Sellers

Author: Daniel J. Dingeman This past year, the Michigan Supreme Court opened the door for many more Michigan homeowners to be eligible for a significant tax refund from the State of Michigan. In Gardner v. Department of Treasury, the Court reversed a lower court’s decision that the state real estate transfer tax exemption only applies…

Read More

Township Authority to Regulate Great Lakes Bottomlands

State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section e-Newsletter Michigan townships have authority to regulate inland lakes via riparian rights that attach to the adjoining water. Township of Yankee Springs v. Fox, 264 Mich App 604, 606 (2004). Unlike inland lakes, however, the State of Michigan holds title to the center of each Great Lake bordering Michigan, and…

Read More

New Uncapping Exemption for Ladybird Deed Transfers

We recently posted an article that outlined new exemptions for residential real estate owners to transfer property to relatives without triggering an “uncapping” of the property taxes. Following that recent change in Michigan law, there was some debate within the legal community regarding the continued viability of transfers via one popular estate planning tool—the ladybird…

Read More

Major Changes to the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act

On January 15, 2015, Governor Rick Snyder signed a series of bills that implemented a number of changes to the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act. Many of the changes could have a major impact on the way a nonprofit organization is governed. This article contains a summary of the significant changes that may warrant amending the…

Read More

New Exemptions to Avoid Property Tax Uncapping

A recent change in Michigan law offers important new planning opportunities for owners of cottages and other residential family property. The change has made it significantly easier to transfer residential real estate (including recreational lands) from one generation to the next without unfavorable tax consequences. Specifically, the recently enacted law provides new exemptions for residential…

Read More

Dingeman & Dancer, PLC Obtains a $1.9 Million Recovery

Dingeman & Dancer, PLC obtained a $1.9 million recovery for a personal injury case involving a motorcycle accident in Grand Traverse County.  A local man suffered severe injuries in the crash when a vehicle turned in front of the motorcycle he was driving. The vehicle driver failed to yield the right of way to the…

Read More

Dingeman & Dancer, PLC New Website is Launched

Dingeman & Dancer, PLC has announced the launch of their new website. Dingeman & Dancer is a full service law firm specializing in real estate law, residential and commercial development, estate planning, zoning and tax law, oil and gas as well as personal injury and wrongful death. The new site provides an expanded view of…

Read More

Dingeman & Dancer, PLC Receives First Tier Ranking from U.S. News & World Report

Traverse City, MI February 16, 2015 – Dingeman & Dancer, PLC has received a First Tier Ranking from U.S. News & World Report, one of the recognized guides to legal excellence in the United States for over 30 years. The ranking is achieved from feedback from clients and peers as well as information obtained from…

Read More