Archive: November 2015

• Rhoades McKee Achieves Top Metropolitan Rankings in US News – Best Lawyers “Best Firms”

  November 3, 2015

  (November 3, 2015) Rhoades McKee earned “Best Law Firms” recognition in the top three ranking levels established by US News in 18 legal practice specialties for the Grand Rapids Metropolitan area. According to the statement released by US News – Best Lawyers, “receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has […]

• Property Tax Exemptions Recovered

  November 2, 2015

  A principal residence exemption (PRE) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills. To qualify for a PRE, a person must be a Michigan resident who owns and occupies the property as a “principal residence.” This “principal residence” issue becomes very significant for […]

• Piercing the Corporate Veil: Can You Be Held Individually Liable for Your Business’ Obligations?

  November 2, 2015

  (November 10, 2015) There are numerous reasons to operate a business in the form of a legal entity, such as a corporation or limited-liability company (“LLC”). Perhaps the most common reason is liability protection. By operating a business in the form of a corporation or LLC, the owners avoid personal liability, instead placing only the […]

• Equipment Lessors Not Covered by Builders Trust Fund Act

  November 1, 2015

  Lamar Construction’s abrupt closure in July 2014 left many people to whom Lamar owed money (including employees, subcontractors and those who provided materials used on Lamar’s jobs) scrambling to try to get paid. Many of those creditors brought claims under Michigan’s Builder Trust Fund Act (“MBTFA”), which imposes a constructive trust on funds held or […]