Free Consultation: (517) 258-8020Tap to Call This Lawyer
Kenneth V Zichi

Kenneth V Zichi

Kenneth V . Zichi J.D.
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law ...
  • Michigan
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Biography

Helping Livingston County residents navigate the legal system for 30 years. I focus on Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Probate, with a significant portion of my practice also concerning Real Estate and general civil litigation. If you have questions or issues with your home, a cabin up north, or want to insure your family is cared for after you are gone, I'd be happy to meet with you, perhaps bust some myths, and certainly insure YOUR and your family's needs are met. Call for an appointment today!

Education
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
J.D.
-
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Logo
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
A.B. | History / Communications
-
Honors: LS&A Honors College 1977-1979
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Logo
Professional Experience
Owner
Kenneth V . Zichi J.D.
- Current
Mayor
City of Williamston (Michigan)
-
Speaking Engagements
Newsroom Seminar, WNEM TV/AM - Saginaw MI
State Bar of Michigan - Law & Media committee
An hour-long seminar addressing some of the common practical and substantive difficulties journalists encounter in covering the legal system in Michigan.
Professional Associations
State Bar of Michigan
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
estate and probate section Michigan bar
member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Law and Media committee - State Bar of Michigan
member
-
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Michigan
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Telephone [(810) 299-5222] or office conferences, 20 minutes or less. Longer conferences may incur a minimal fee.
  • Contingent Fees
Practice Areas
    Elder Law
    Estate Planning
    Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
    Real Estate Law
    Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
    Insurance Claims
    Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
    Landlord Tenant
    Evictions, Housing Discrimination, Landlord Rights, Tenants' Rights
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. Lease does not include MTM fees, but being charged anyway.
A: In Michigan, the written lease terms continue when holding over — however — the monthly payment can change with 30 day’s notice. They can increase fees or monthly rent at any time given that notice. It’s why month to month leases are generally a bad idea for anything more than a month or two ….
Q. michigan. my mom is only one on car title. she died dec 2022. it's bequethed to me in will. no probate. everything joint
A: Well -- you COULD lie and claim to be your deceased mother, and renew the plates, but then you have to also lie to the insurance company and risk getting caught in insurance fraud .... etc. I'd suggest that isn't such a good idea.

Can you get new tabs for the car without transferring the title? Not that I know of. The only person who can license the car is the owner. You become the owner by transferring the title.

You need to figure out 1) do you want the car and then answer these questions:

a) how much is owed and how can I get that money?

b) how do I just return the car and let it become my mom's (nonexistent) estate's problem.

Allow me to provide the way I'd analyze this: (And this is predicated on the assumption that there IS NO OTHER property in the estate!)

Situation A: There is $25,000 owed on the car and it's 'worth' $12,000 on a used car lot. Dump the car and go buy a used one you can afford. The 'deficiency' becomes the lien holder's issue and you don't need to worry about it.

Situation B: There is $10,000 owed and the car is worth $25,000 on the used market AND you can afford $10k. Figure out how to borrow $10k and pay it off. Get the lien release and insurance and then register the car at the SOS in your name as the sole heir (you don't need probate for that) and smile.

Situation C: Same as B but you CANNOT afford 10k. See answer to situation A -- yes you're 'losing' money but if you can't afford it you're not really losing anything! You're saving yourself a headache.

And yes, you've already 'sunk' money into paying for someone else's car. In essence -- you 'leased' the car -- you've got nothing to show for it but you had the use of the car. Get out of that situation and get into something more sustainable long-term.

Not sure where to go? Seek the counsel of a licensed local attorney. They can provide alternate ideas.
... Read More
Q. My mother and I both have our names on a piece of property she passed unexpectedly. No survivorship! Can creditor take
A: That is possible. Debt collectors CAN try to go after anything in her estate including the undivided 1/2 interest in the property.

You can limit the risk by publishing and mailing appropriate notices to creditors as part of the probate but as you’ve already learned ‘DIY’ comes with certain risks like ‘mistakes’ that leave you in a bad situation.

I’d strongly recommend you consult with a local licensed attorney to review your situation and provide real advice on how to proceed. There are things that can be done but there are a lot of issues if things are done wrong.
View More Answers
Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Website
Avvo.com
Contact & Map
1360 W. Grand River Ave, Howell MI
PO Box 1121
Fowlerville, MI 48836
Telephone: (810) 299-5222
Cell: (517) 258-8020
Monday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Please call for either an in person or 'zoom' appointment. Conferences beyond an initial phone screening by appointment only.
1360 W. Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Toll-Free: (517) 258-8020
Cell: (810) 299-5222
Brighton Phone
Brighton, MI 48116
Telephone: (810) 299-5222