Keeping Estranged Family Members Out of Your Estate Plan: What You Need to Know

If you’re estranged from a family member, you probably don’t want them inheriting your property—yet without the right estate planning documents, Michigan law may give them exactly that. When someone passes away without a will, intestacy laws determine who inherits, and the court will not consider personal relationships or family conflicts.

To prevent unintended inheritances, the first step is creating a legally valid will that clearly names your beneficiaries—and just as importantly, clearly excludes anyone you don’t want to inherit. Adding a disinheritance clause and ensuring proper execution can further protect your wishes.

 

A revocable living trust is another powerful tool. Because trusts avoid probate and remain private, they reduce opportunities for disputes and challenges, especially from estranged relatives. Trusts also allow you to outline exactly who inherits and under what conditions.

 

Read more on our website!

 

These decisions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our attorneys provide strategic, compassionate guidance for your estate plan in Washtenaw County to help you protect your legacy and ensure it reflects your wishes—not Michigan’s default rules.

Green Card Requirements: What Lawful Permanent Residents Need to Know

Many lawful permanent residents (LPRs) don’t realize that failing to carry their green card can lead to a federal misdemeanor charge — even if it’s just an honest mistake. U.S. immigration law (8 U.S.C. §1304(e)) requires all LPRs age 18 and older to keep their green card in their possession at all times.

USCIS notifies green card holders of this rule, but over time, it’s easy to forget. As U.S. ICE enforcement efforts rise, being unprepared could cause avoidable complications. The best approach is to carry your original card and keep a photo of both sides stored securely on your phone for backup.

If your card has expired or gone missing, you can apply for a replacement using Form I-90 on the USCIS website. Filing online provides an instant receipt you can carry while you wait for your new card.

Read the full article on our website!

 

For help replacing your card or understanding your obligations as a lawful permanent resident, contact a trusted immigration attorney in Ann Arbor. Our firm can assist with applications, renewals, and compliance so you can maintain your legal status with confidence.

U.S. ICE Expands Mandatory Detention Policies: What It Means for Foreign Nationals

In a major policy shift, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun interpreting immigration law to require the mandatory detention of all “applicants for admission.” This new interpretation of INA § 235(b), effective July 2025, drastically increases the number of individuals eligible for detention by U.S. ICE.

According to the Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision in Matter of Q. Li, even individuals apprehended near the border—without a warrant and shortly after entering without inspection—may now be detained without the right to a bond hearing.

This means that even foreign nationals with clean records, long-term residence, or U.S. citizen family members can be detained if ICE encounters them. The change underscores the importance of preparation and understanding one’s legal status.

How to Prepare:

1. Create a list of contacts and key records.
2. Execute a Durable Power of Attorney.
3. Establish an immigration action plan.
4. Make arrangements for children’s care.
5. Budget for potential immigration costs.

Learn more about US ICE expanding mandatory detention policies here.

Take the Next Step

With enforcement increasing nationwide, consulting with an Ann Arbor immigration attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights. Our legal team provides proactive guidance and representation to help you and your family stay prepared.

Why Lawful Permanent Residents Must Carry Their Green Cards at All Times

If you’re a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States, federal law requires you to carry your green card with you at all times. Under 8 U.S.C. §1304(e), any LPR over 18 who fails to do so can technically face a federal misdemeanor charge — including fines or even jail time.

For decades, this law went largely unenforced, but recent increases in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (U.S. ICE) activity have changed that. Even an innocent mistake, like forgetting your wallet, could lead to unnecessary legal trouble.

It’s smart for LPRs to keep a photo of their green card on their phone, but ultimately, the safest approach is to carry the original card whenever possible. If your card is lost, stolen, or expired, you can request a replacement through USCIS Form I-90.

If you have questions about maintaining your lawful status or need help replacing your green card, speak with an experienced immigration attorney in Ann Arbor. The right legal guidance can help you stay compliant and avoid unintended violations.

Read the full article on our website!

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and protect your status as a lawful permanent resident.

Will U.S. ICE Detain My Client? Understanding the New Mandatory Detention Policies

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently expanded its interpretation of who can be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As of July 2025, under a broader reading of INA § 235(b), ICE now considers all “applicants for admission” subject to mandatory detention—even those without a criminal record.

Before this change, ICE typically reserved detention for individuals with criminal convictions, serious immigration violations, or national security concerns. Now, anyone who entered the U.S. without inspection may be detained without the right to a bond hearing.

This expansion has serious implications for foreign nationals living in the U.S. long-term, including those with families, jobs, and deep community ties. While DHS retains limited authority to grant parole in some situations, such releases are rare.

What You Can Do:

If you or someone you know entered the U.S. without inspection, they could be at risk for detention. Developing an “immigration action plan” — including a power of attorney, emergency contact list, and legal strategy — can help mitigate harm if ICE enforcement occurs.

Learn more about US ICE expanding mandatory detention policies here.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Ann Arbor Immigration Attorney

If you or a loved one may be subject to detention, don’t wait until it’s too late. An experienced Ann Arbor immigration attorney can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and help you prepare a plan tailored to your circumstances. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation.

Simplifying Vehicle and Personal Item Transfers in Michigan Estates

Michigan’s probate law provides simplified methods for transferring certain assets when a loved one passes away, especially when the estate is considered “small.” This allows families to avoid the stress and delays of full probate court administration.

Transfer of Vehicles

If the total value of a decedent’s registered vehicles does not exceed $100,000, heirs may transfer titles without going through probate—provided there are no other assets requiring estate administration.

 

Transfer of Clothing and Personal Items

In some cases, a decedent’s clothing and up to $500 in cash can also be transferred without court involvement. Hospitals, nursing homes, morgues, or even police agencies can release these items directly to a spouse, child, or parent with proof of identification.

 

Learn more about navigating Michigan’s simplified probate process for small estates here.

 

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Even with these simplified options, disputes and documentation issues can arise. Our estate planning attorneys in Ann Arbor can help ensure the transfer process goes smoothly, protect heirs’ rights, and avoid unnecessary delays.

 

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Consultation

 

If you’re interested in learning more about estate planning, please contact an estate planning attorney in Ann Arbor at 734-665-4441.

 

The UIDDA and Out-of-State Testimony in Michigan Civil Cases

One of the most useful tools available in civil litigation in Washtenaw County is the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA). Michigan—along with 47 other states and the District of Columbia—has adopted this law, which allows litigants to compel someone in another state to attend a deposition or produce documents.

However, the UIDDA stops short of authorizing subpoenas for trial testimony. The Michigan Court of Appeals has confirmed that while the UIDDA helps gather discovery, it cannot be used to force an out-of-state witness to appear in court. Because of this limitation, attorneys should obtain deposition testimony from out-of-state witnesses while discovery is still open.

 

Learn more about compelling the testimony of an out-of state witness at trial here.

 

Don’t Face Civil Litigation Alone—We Can Help You

If you’re dealing with complex procedural issues in civil litigation in Washtenaw County, the attorneys at Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C. can help. We have the experience to manage multi-state discovery, witness testimony, and trial preparation effectively. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.