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!

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
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Telephone [(810) 299-5222] or office conferences, 20 minutes or less. Longer conferences may incur a minimal fee.
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Michigan
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Owner
Kenneth V . Zichi J.D.
- Current
Mayor
City of Williamston (Michigan)
-
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 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.
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.
Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Website
Avvo.com
Legal Answers
1228 Questions Answered
Q. Two ppl on a quit claim deed, one dies, does surviving wife get half of the property?? Please read all details!!!
A: I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your son, and the mess that this is creating. HOWEVER, without seeing the deed it is impossible to know. This all depends on HOW your son was 'put on the deed'. Was it 'joint owners with full rights of survivorship'? Joint Tenants? Tenants in Common? Is it silent on that issue?

This is the largest 'pitfall' in trying to "DIY" property ownership without legal advice. Take the paperwork to a local real estate attorney ASAP to review everything and you can get some real answers. On the internet we're just guessing.

Seek that local legal representation NOW to avoid even bigger issues.
Q. I have a hand written will with two witnesses is that acceptable in probate court in Macomb county? It is not notarized.
A: Mr Soble is correct, however, if there are two witnesses it may not be necessary to be considered a 'holographic' will. Wills don't need to be notarized, just witnessed by two disinterested adults.

I do however suggest you should consult with a local probate attorney to review what you have to determine 1) IF PROBATE IS NEEDED AT ALL
Q. If I test my well water and it shows reportable levels of PFAS, do I need to disclose during a sale?
A: Michigan law requires disclosure of all 'relevant' information, and indeed, the 'sellers disclosure statement' talks about water tests for private wells and septic systems and requires disclosure. If you report 'no tests' then the buyer can (and should and if they are at all savvy will!) require a test as a condition of sale, and you'll have to 'deal with' the problem then on an emergency basis rather than having time to work to resolve things before you're selling.

Get the test done. It may well reveal you do not have an issue, and hey -- good for you!

If it DOES reveal a problem, you have time to both deal with the issue (is there a municipal system close enough? Can you filter things? Can you at least stop poisoning yourself!?) and figure out what you can do long term to address the issue. If you join a 'class action' suit you will need to prove you are part of the class and that would entail the test anyway so you may HAVE to do the test.

Don't think you can just 'play dumb' and get away with it. I had a case a few years back where a homeowner failed to disclose the county drain ran UNDER the corner of their home and the home was starting to subside because of it. They tried to feign 'I didn't know' but they had been to the township to contest their tax valuation BECAUSE they claimed the house was without value since the drain ran under it and that was public record! The realtor -- who was related to the seller -- tried to feign ignorance too but when I asked at deposition 'your sister (they had different last names but this was in a small town!) didn't talk to you about this at any point?' the realtor's attorney asked for a few minutes to talk to his client and they promptly settled the case. That netted the buyers a cool $150k which was the cost to move the drain and mitigate the settling damage and pay my attorneys fees (on a $225k sale). Don't put yourself into such a position by trying to 'play dumb' -- 'buyer beware' has limits.
... Read More
View More Answers
Contact & Map
1360 W. Grand River Ave, Howell MI
PO Box 1121
Fowlerville, MI 48836
US
Telephone: (810) 299-5222
Cell: (517) 258-8020
Monday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
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
US
Toll-Free: (517) 258-8020
Cell: (810) 299-5222
Brighton Phone
Brighton, MI 48116
US
Telephone: (810) 299-5222