Michael L. Rutkowski

I am deeply passionate about helping others, a drive that fuels my diverse professional and personal pursuits. My day typically starts early at 4:30 am, whether I'm preparing for my day at the estate planning firm, coaching businesses, or running the gym out of my garage. I began my legal career in workers’ compensation insurance defense, dedicating the majority of my practice to this area until 2010. Around that time, many of my friends started families, sparking my interest in estate planning. This new focus allowed me to assist others in preparing for their future, eventually leading me to expand into Elder Law. In this field, I have successfully utilized legal strategies to safeguard my clients’ life savings against the high costs of long-term care.

The State Bar of Michigan has recognized my work in estate planning and invited me to speak on topics such as Trusts at various events across Metro Detroit, including corporate and university settings. I also conduct monthly educational workshops to inform the public about essential aspects of estate planning, answering attendees' questions. Networking is second nature to me; I host events for business professionals and lead a Meet Up group that boasts over 1,100 members and is ranked 2nd in the Detroit area.

Born and raised in Rochester, Michigan, I now reside there with my wife, three daughters, and two Labrador Retrievers. Outside of work, I dedicate my time to my family, ensuring I'm present for my children's activities and soccer practices every day after work. My hobbies include golfing, CrossFit, skiing, and running. I have completed four marathons, three triathlons, and numerous CrossFit competitions throughout Southeast Michigan.

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School

J.D. (2007) | Estate Planning & Business Transactions

2004 - 2007

Founder - Attorney

Rutkowski Law Firm

2012 - Current

Estate Planning - Asset Protection Planning, Elder Law and Estate Planning Conference

September 14, 2024

Estate Planning - Avoiding Probate, Michigan Case Workers, Novi Michigan

January 22, 2025

Michigan Caseworkers Association

Estate Planning - Maximizing your Estate, Gross Pointe Michigan

March 10, 2025

Henry Ford

Elderly and the Law, Troy Michigan

April 9, 2025

Corewell Health

Understanding estate planning and elder law.

Michigan Medicaid Long Term Care Benefit, Conference, Mt. Pleasant Michigan

May 18, 2025

Michigan Guardianship Association

Elder Law Certification

Institute of Continuing Legal Education

2014

Estate Planning

Institute of Continuing Legal Education

2010

Super Lawyer - Rising Star

Super Lawyers

2019

State Bar of Michigan  # P70988

Member

Current

Michigan

State Bar of Michigan

ID Number: P70988

Since 2008

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  We are an estate planning law firm serving client families throughout the state of Michigan. Operating virtually has increased access and convenience for our clients making the planning process run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Q. Can I send a notice and refile my motion to compel arbitration in Michigan?

May 22, 2025

A: Yes, you may be able to send the arbitration notice now and refile your motion to compel arbitration, but your window is very narrow and success depends on how the court interprets timing, waiver, and procedural fairness under Michigan law. Below is a detailed breakdown of your options and legal framework.

⚖️ Legal Context: Compelling Arbitration in Michigan

Under Michigan law and the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), courts generally enforce valid arbitration agreements. However, courts also require procedural compliance — and failure to follow the contract’s notice requirements can lead to denial of a motion to compel, as you’ve experienced.

Most cardmember agreements:

Require notice of intent to arbitrate to be sent to the other party at least 30 days before initiating arbitration or filing a motion to compel

Specify the manner and address for notice (e.g., certified mail)

If you didn’t provide formal notice (beyond just filing the motion), the judge was within their discretion to deny it.

✅ Can You Cure the Defect and Refile?

Short Answer: Yes, potentially — but time is critical and success is uncertain.

Factors in Your Favor:

No ruling on the merits yet (only procedural denial)

You’re still within the litigation timeline (trial isn’t until June 18)

Courts prefer resolving disputes under valid arbitration clauses when procedural issues can be cured

Michigan courts generally follow federal arbitration principles, which favor arbitration when possible

Your Next Steps:

1. Send the Required Arbitration Notice Immediately

Follow the exact method of notice required in the cardmember agreement (e.g., certified mail to the plaintiff’s attorney or address on record)

Include language such as:

“This letter serves as formal notice of demand for arbitration pursuant to Section X of the [Issuer] Cardmember Agreement.”

2. Prepare a Motion for Reconsideration or Renewed Motion to Compel Arbitration

You’ll need to explain:

Why notice wasn’t originally given (misunderstanding of your obligations as a defendant)

That notice has now been properly given

That no substantial litigation has occurred yet (trial has not begun)

That there is no prejudice to the other party if arbitration is enforced now

Include a copy of your formal arbitration notice and proof of mailing as an exhibit.

3. File Promptly — and Possibly Request Adjournment

File your renewed motion (or motion for reconsideration) as soon as possible — ideally no later than May 24–28, to give the court time to review it before the June 18 trial

Consider filing a motion to adjourn trial pending resolution of arbitration if the motion is still pending as trial approaches

⚠️ Risk Factors to Consider

Waiver: If the judge determines your delay in sending notice shows intent to litigate (or causes prejudice), they may find you waived arbitration.

Time constraints: You must send notice now — and follow up quickly with the court. Courts don’t like gamesmanship or delays.

Trial proximity: Judges are less inclined to halt proceedings once a trial date is near — so acting immediately is critical. ... Read More

Q. Do I need an attorney if my spouse married someone else?

May 22, 2025

A: Yes — you absolutely need to consult with a family law attorney licensed in Indiana immediately. What you’re describing is not just a divorce issue, but a potential case of bigamy, which has both legal and criminal implications. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what this situation means and what to do next:

⚖️ Legal Overview: Bigamy in Indiana

1. What Is Bigamy?

Under Indiana Code § 35-46-1-2, bigamy is defined as:

A person who knowingly marries another person while still married to someone else.

This is a Level 6 felony in Indiana, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

2. Your Wife’s Remarriage While Still Married

If your wife:

Filed for divorce in March 2023

The divorce has not yet been finalized, and

She formally married another individual while still legally married to you

Then she may have committed bigamy — regardless of the reason, unless your marriage was legally dissolved first. ... Read More

Q. What to do about stolen items from graves in Mikado Cemetery?

May 22, 2025

A: I'm truly sorry to hear about what happened — theft from a cemetery is deeply distressing, especially when it involves cherished memorial items. Here's a breakdown of your legal rights and practical next steps to help guide you forward in addressing this situation under Michigan law.