Practice Areas

Arbitration

To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.Arbitration is a method of ADR that involves the use of a neutral individual to decide a dispute outside of a court setting. The neutral individual, referred to as an “arbitrator,” is typically chosen by the parties to the dispute based on his or her specialized knowledge, training, or experience relating to the subject matter of the dispute. In some cases, the parties choose a panel of arbitrators (rather than a single arbitrator). A decision or opinion issued at the conclusion of the arbitration hearing is binding and enforceable in the same manner as a judgment issued by a court. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have a great deal of experience representing clients throughout the arbitration process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding an issue involving arbitration, please do not hesitate to contact Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, at (517) 796-1444.

Mediation

Mediation is a method of ADR that involves the use of a neutral individual to assist the parties to a dispute in reaching a settlement outside of a court setting. The neutral individual, referred to as the “mediator,” is chosen by mutual agreement of the parties. The mediator then meets with the parties to discuss the issues and seeks to help the parties reach an agreement of resolution. A mediator does not issue a decision or an opinion; rather, their role is to assist the parties in reaching a compromise of the pending claim(s). The parties are not obligated to resolve their dispute at mediation, but, if they do, the parties typically sign a written settlement agreement. A settlement agreement that is signed by parties at mediation is a binding and enforceable contract. The team at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, has experience representing clients throughout the mediation process and prides itself on providing its clients with the information necessary to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions regarding possible settlement.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) is the use of a method, such as mediation or arbitration, to resolve a dispute as an alternative to litigation. The experienced attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, can assist you in exploring the various options that may be available to you so as to best protect your interests, as well as help you develop and implement a strategy that enables you to reach your specific goals.

Appeals

The team at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, is made up of experienced litigators whose knowledge and understanding covers the complexity of appellate practice. Whether you are considering and/or facing an appeal on a local, state, or federal level, the attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, can help you develop and implement a practical, comprehensive strategy that protects your interests throughout the litigation process.

Litigation

The term “litigation” generally refers to the process associated with bringing and/or defending a lawsuit. Litigation can be complicated and burdensome because there are various procedural rules that dictate what you can and cannot do throughout the litigation process. Further, whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant in a lawsuit, there are a number of strategic elements that may influence the way in which you should proceed. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have a great deal of experience in navigating the court system and addressing the other issues that clients may face before, during, and after a lawsuit is filed. We pride ourselves on walking our clients through each step of the process and making sure that they are in a position to make educated, well-informed decisions so as to best protect their interests.

Business Disputes

If you own, manage, or are otherwise involved in a business, at some point in time you will probably encounter a situation that has the potential to lead to, or does lead to, a lawsuit. Business disputes may include, but are not limited to, customer complaints, collection of unpaid monies due to the company, contract issues, employee matters, liability issues, and licensing complications. Disagreements may also arise among company owners that result in lawsuits between partners, members of an LLC, or shareholders of a corporation. In some unfortunate situations, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations find a need to seek court intervention for breach of fiduciary duties, financial improprieties, or even dissolution of a business entity. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, understand that your business is of the utmost importance to you. Our firm can provide quality and experienced representation to your company, whether it be in pursuing or defending against a lawsuit

Debt Collection

If someone owes you or your business money, then the team at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, can help you lawfully collect that money by utilizing an approach that is both comprehensive and cost-effective. We understand and appreciate that collecting monies due and owing to an individual or a business is extremely important. This is why we we serve our clients by not only helping them address existing and ongoing issues involving debt collection, but also by working with our clients to create and implement successful strategies so as to minimize debt collection issues in the future. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have helped clients throughout Michigan in matters involving the following issues:

• Breach of contract disputes
• Open account/account stated
• Land contract disputes
• Mortgage disputes
• Claim and delivery actions
• Post-judgment collection actions

General Civil Litigation

Perhaps you have a legal matter that does not seem to fit a specific classification? If this is the case, the attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have represented clients in litigation involving a vast array of legal issues. Our attorneys have helped clients with matters involving all types of breach of contract, personal property damage, the defense of federal civil rights claims, consumer protection, and fraud, to name a few. If you are facing, or already involved in a lawsuit, the law office of Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, may be able to provide you with the assistance and guidance that you need.

Real Estate

For many people, real estate is one of their most valuable and important assets; as such, it is important to protect your interests by obtaining realistic and up-to-date legal advice. The attorneys of Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, represent clients with respect to a wide variety of matters involving real estate. Whether your issue involves residential or commercial property, the team at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, welcomes the opportunity to assist you by providing legal advice that is both well-informed and practical.

Medical Malpractice

When someone is injured or dies because a hospital, doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional does not provide appropriate medical care to a patient, this is known as medical malpractice or medical negligence. This is normally a heartbreaking situation for the person that has endured the medical malpractice and their family members. The complex legal rights that medical malpractice victims have in Michigan can be very confusing. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, take the time to carefully explain these rights to our medical malpractice clients and their families. We listen to our clients to understand their concerns and we spend as much time as needed with each client to make sure that our clients understand the process and their rights. Being the victim of medical malpractice can be devastating and we want our clients and their families to be able to make informed decisions and be involved in every aspect of their case. Medical malpractice insurance companies normally go to great lengths to defend the healthcare provider they insure, so you will need a team of knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys to assist you with your case. Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, may be a smaller firm, but our clients do not get lost in the shuffle like they sometimes do at large firms. We give each case, and each client, the individual attention that they deserve.

Municipal Law

Local governments face unique challenges given the very nature of the services and protections that they provide to their constituents. It is very important that municipalities obtain expert legal advice from attorneys with the knowledge and experience necessary to help them effectively govern and protect the interests of their communities, while at the same time being aware of the role that they play on local, state, and federal levels. The attorneys as Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have experience representing and advising local municipalities, to include villages and townships, with respect to a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Open Meetings Act compliance
• FOIA requests
• issues surrounding the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
• land use
• zoning
• land division
• ordinance enforcement
• condemnation
• municipal litigation

Conservatorships / Guardianships

If a family member or loved one is unable to make decisions for themselves, then it may be necessary for someone else to act on that person’s behalf. An important component of estate planning, in general, is to consider making these kinds of decisions for yourself, using tools like durable and/or medical powers of attorney, trusts, or joint ownership of assets. However, if these methods are unavailable, then you may have to consider taking legal action by petitioning the court to be appointed as the incapacitated person’s guardian and/or conservator. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, appreciate that this can be a very sensitive topic for individuals and families. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you understand the options that may be available to you and will work with you to implement a plan of action that addresses your particular situation.

Estate / Trust Administration

After a person passes away, his or her property needs to be transferred to those people who are entitled to inherit said property. In Michigan, Estates and Protected Individuals Code (“EPIC”) provides fairly specific instructions relative to the manner in which a person’s property should be distributed after his or her death. The probate courts are charged with the task of ensuring that a person’s property, sometimes referred to as his or her “estate,” is handled correctly. This process is oftentimes referred to as “estate administration” or “probate administration.” The rules and guidelines surrounding estate administration can be confusing, especially to those dealing with the recent loss of a loved one. The process can be similarly confusing and frustrating for those charged with the responsibility of managing an existing trust. It is important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you shoulder some of the burden. At Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, we utilize our knowledge and experience to represent clients throughout the probate administration process. We strive to keep our clients properly informed and work with them to ensure that decisions are being made in a lawful and timely fashion. Whether you have been nominated to serve as the personal representative of an estate or you just have questions regarding estate administration, the attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, would be happy to speak with you.

Power of Attorney

As longevity in the United States continues to increase, it is more important than ever for individuals to consider the possibility that they may experience periods of incapacity and/or disability during their lifetimes. There are various tools available to plan for these kinds of unforeseen circumstances. One of these tools is referred to as a “durable power of attorney.” A durable power of attorney is a written document wherein the maker gives another person the authority to make decisions on his or her behalf during his or her lifetime. There are two main types of durable powers of attorney, namely (1) a general power of attorney for financial purposes and (2) a medical power of attorney relative to healthcare decisions. Both types of powers of attorney involve a voluntary sharing of authority with agent designated in each respective document. Planning for the possibility of incapacity and/or disability may be difficult to think about, but it should be considered when developing a comprehensive estate plan. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, will carefully walk you through your options and help you make decisions that are right for you.

Probate Disputes

Conflicts often arise in situations that involve caring for a disabled loved one or in the wake of a loved one’s passing. These conflicts can be particularly stressful and tenuous given the very nature of the dispute. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, are equipped to help you face these conflicts. We have experience litigating issues in probate courts throughout Michigan. For example, the trusted team at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, has represented clients with respect to matters involving the following issues:

• will contests
• trust contents
• breach of fiduciary duty
• undue influence
• guardianships
• Conservatorships
• Real property disputes
• Personal property disputes

Estate Planning

The term “estate planning” generally refers to the process of developing and implementing a plan for the management and disposal of your personal and financial affairs, both during your lifetime and after your death. When it comes to estate planning, there is not a “one size fits all” approach; rather, estate planning and what it might entail entirely depends on the specific circumstances facing each client, as well as his or her overall goals and objectives. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have a great deal of experience when it comes to estate planning and they will work with you to develop a comprehensive estate plan that addresses your particular needs and concerns.

Probate and Estates

Whether you are considering the possibility of revising your existing estate plan or starting from scratch, the attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, can help walk you through the various options that may be available to you and work with you to implement an estate plan that best protects your interests, as well as that of your loved ones. We also have extensive experience representing and assisting clients with respect to other probate issues, such as will contests, trust contests, estate administration, guardianship, and conservatorships. We pride ourselves on providing practical, cost-effective advice to all of our clients and would welcome the opportunity to assist you.

Real Estate

Disputes involving real estate can be particularly complicated and significant given that the outcomes oftentimes have a lasting effect on the parties involved. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, frequently handle cases involving disputes that center around both residential and commercial real estate. We represent and provide practical guidance to clients throughout Michigan in matters involving the following issues:

• contract disputes
• landlord/tenant disputes (both commercial and residential)
• riparian rights
• easements
• land contract disputes
• boundary disputes
• zoning issues
• property tax issues
• quiet title actions
• deed restrictions and land use
• seller’s disclosure disputes
• condominium development issues
• trespass and nuisance claims

Boundary and Easement Disputes

A common issue between neighboring property owners is the actual location of property lines. Boundary disputes arise when two adjacent property owners disagree over property line location. Disputes also arise where structures or fences are placed such that they encroach on a neighboring property. Boundary disputes may further involve neighbors who disagree over the location of a driveway, stored personal property (such as automobiles and recreational vehicles), or ownership of trees and other vegetation. An easement is a right to use an area on or over the real property of another. Most often, easements are created for a defined purpose, such as a driveway or access over property, utility placement, or a walkway for lake or other waterway access. Disputes may arise between property owners over easement location, proper use, authorized easement users, and maintenance of easements, to name a few.

Foreclosure and Forfeiture

There may be a variety of remedies available to you if you are facing a dispute involving a real estate transaction. Two of the most common issues facing clients today are foreclosure (land contract and mortgage) and forfeiture. When a buyer defaults under a land contract or mortgage agreement, the seller or the lender may bring an action to foreclosure the contract. Forfeiture, on the other hand, is a common remedy for land contract sellers. A “forfeiture action” refers to the process by which a land contract seller seeks to terminate the buyer’s interest under the land contract. Both foreclosure and forfeiture actions are subject to strict procedural and legal requirements that must be followed in order to sustain a viable claim. Whether you are a land contract seller considering the possibility of taking legal action against your buyer or an individual seeking guidance with respect to negotiating with your lender, the attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have the knowledge and experience necessary to assist you with the various issues that may arise as a result of these disputes. For example, we represent and provide practical guidance to clients throughout Michigan involving the following issues:

• land contract foreclosure
• land contract forfeiture
• mortgage foreclosure
• tax foreclosure
• document preparation and review
• real estate litigation

Landlord / Tenant Matters

As a landlord, you are subject to certain legal requirements that must be satisfied in order for you to take advantage of the protections and remedies that may be available to you in the event of a default on the part of your tenant(s). Whether the real property in question is residential or commercial in nature, the team at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, is here to help you navigate the complexities that oftentimes arise in disputes involving rental property, to include eviction proceedings. We can also work with you to ensure that the proper strategies and processes are in place so as to reduce the likelihood of future disputes. The attorneys at Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, have a great deal of experience with respect to preparing and reviewing lease agreements (residential and commercial) and representing clients with respect to summary proceedings.

Document Preparation and Review

Owning real estate may be for personal or business reasons, or, perhaps, the result of family history. Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, has extensive experience assisting clients with buying and selling real estate, owning and operating rental properties, dealing with family-owned cottages or vacation homes, developing residential and commercial properties, and a host of other real estate matters. Our firm can assist in the preparation and/or review of documents related to all types of real estate dealings and transactions. The law firm of Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, works with individuals, businesses, and families seeking expertise to help navigate them through their real estate matters.