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Finance & Bankruptcy News
  
  

October 13, 2025

In this issue:

  

  

  
   concept of property judgment, property, money. Wooden house model alongside judge gavel and scales symbolizing real estate law and property   

Legal Update: MRTA Deadline Extended for Preserving Property Rights

Sara L. Cunningham and McKenna S. Rivers

As previously reported in our 2024 article, an amendment to the Marketable Record Title Act, MCL 565.101 et seq. (“MRTA”), was originally enacted in 2019. That amendment had the effect of requiring property owners to file a "Notice" of Claim to retain certain property rights such as easements and land restrictions if those instruments were last recorded with the County Register of Deeds more than 40 years ago...

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   Broken Sidewalk   

Local Ordinances Determine Maintenance Responsibility for Michigan Property Owners

Scott H. Hogan and Alexis D. Behnke (Law Clerk)

As a property owner in Michigan, you may have questions about your responsibilities related to the public sidewalk that runs in front of your home or business. If someone is injured on that sidewalk, are you liable?

In Michigan, the responsibility to maintain and potentially even replace a public sidewalk often depends on local ordinances. Below are just a few examples of the duty a property owner has for sidewalk maintenance in various cities...

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Foster Swift Welcomes Real Estate Litigator 

Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC welcomes attorney, Amanda “Amy” S. Marinkovski, to the firm’s Southfield office as a member of the Finance, Real Estate & Bankruptcy practice group.

Her experience includes civil litigation and assisting clients in a variety of matters, namely real estate litigation issues involving commercial and residential property, from initial consultation through resolution and when necessary, trial. Additionally, she handles a wide range of probate litigation matters including will and trust disputes, as well as guardianships and conservatorships.

Amy received her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University (MSU) and Juris Doctor from Michigan State University’s College of Law...

  

Amanda S. Marinkovski

  

  

  

  
  

New IP Blog to Assist Businesses with Brand Protection

Intellectual Property (IP) protection is one of the most overlooked – yet critical – components of running a successful business. To help fill that gap, Foster Swift IP attorney Mikhail “Mike” Murshak has launched the IP Monday Law Blog.

“Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a growing enterprise, or managing institutional portfolios, understanding IP - trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets - is essential to protecting your brand, products, and creative works” Murshak says.

The blog is designed to demystify IP law, providing practical insights and strategic guidance.  Each post aims to help businesses safeguard their ideas, avoid costly legal pitfalls, and unlock the full potential of their intellectual capital...

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Tune into these Podcasts: Businesswomen and Sports Talk

Businesswomen Talking Podcast

To encourage women business leaders and entrepreneurs in Greater Lansing and around Michigan, Foster Swift business attorneys Amanda Dernovshek and Lindsey Mead host the monthly storytelling podcast: Businesswomen Talking.

Each episode features local businesswomen leaders, owners and entrepreneurs sharing their personal experiences such as how they got started, difficulties they have faced along the way and other valuable insight.

All episodes are available on Spotify and Foster Swift’s YouTube page as well as the following landing page: fosterswift.com/f-businesswomen-talking-podcast-episodes-resources.html

Sports Talk Podcast

Hosted by experienced sports and business law attorneys Dave RussellCharlie Sarchet and Tony Dalimonte, the Foster Swift Sports Talk podcast breaks down the legal side of high school recruiting and college athletics in a way that’s clear, practical, and relevant for student-athletes and their parents.

With recruiting season in full swing, high school athletes and their families are facing a fast-changing world in college sports. From NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals to shifting NCAA rules, and the establishment of the College Sports Commission (CSC), understanding what’s ahead can feel overwhelming.

All podcast episodes are available on Apple Podcasts as well as Spotify. Notable guests have included MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl and 2000 National Championship MSU Basketball player, Andre Hutson.

  

  

  
  

Family Advocate Blog Provides Plain English Perspective

When Family law is referenced, divorce is often the first thing that comes to mind. Divorce however is only one of a number of areas that encompass this area of law. 

Many people often underestimate family law and the value of skilled family law counsel as an absolute necessity. To provide an interesting and informative perspective to those with similar legal needs, be sure to visit Your Family Law Advocate Blog. 

The purpose of this blog is to guide readers through the maze of legal issues and topics facing couples and families, allowing focus for what is most important: focusing on the well-being of your family. See more at yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com.

  

  

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Detroit

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Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC E-Newsletters are intended for general information for our clients and friends. This newsletter highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how this information applies to any specific situation.

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Copyright © 2025 Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC.

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