Church Property Disputes/Denominational Splits
How does a Court decide who owns the property of a local church departing from The United Methodist Church? Part 1
The history of religious growth in the United States can be traced in no small part to the frequency of schism within religious organizations, which is to be expected where the First Amendment absolutely protects the right to believe whatever one chooses. One result is […]
Read MoreThree things to consider when litigation is the only option to leave the United Methodist Church
We have had the distinct honor and experience in successfully litigating religious property disputes throughout the United States and helping local churches out of the United Methodist Church denomination. If your local church has run out of options to amicably leave the Annual Conference, there […]
Read MoreBayshore Christian School wins its case against the Board of Trustees of the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc.
On Thursday, February 9, 2023, a Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida jury reached a verdict and found for Bayshore Christian School in its long pending litigation against the Board of Trustees of the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The case, Board of Trustees […]
Read MoreTrends in Parking Reforms Could Benefit Churches and Other Religious Assemblies
Minimum off-street parking requirements have been around for decades. Their purpose is to alleviate traffic congestion as well as reduce street and spillover parking. While these goals are laudable, minimum parking requirements have also caused many problems. They have greatly increased the cost of development […]
Read MoreHow Christian Retirement Centers and Assisted Living Facilities Can Overcome Zoning Barriers
The percentage of Americans in search of senior housing alternatives continues to increase. Fortunately, many churches and faith communities are stepping up to meet the needs of the older generation by establishing faith-based retirement centers and assisted living facilities. They provide seniors with more than […]
Read MoreRecent Church Fires In Rockford Highlight Importance of Church Arson Prevention Act
News of church fires in Rockford, Illinois and Jackson, Mississippi have highlighted the importance of a little-known federal law called the Church Arson Prevention Act. Congress passed the law in 1996 to make it a federal crime to damage houses of worship or violently interfere […]
Read MoreDalton & Tomich Attorney, Noel Sterett, to Lead Workshop on Resolving Church Property Disputes at 2022 CLS National Conference in Newport Beach, CA
On October 8, 2022, Dalton & Tomich attorney Noel Sterett will present a workshop at the 2022 Christian Legal Society National Conference entitled “Resolving Church Property Disputes: Past, Present, and Future.” Attorney Sterett, along with his co-presenter, Professor Michael V. Hernandez of Regent University School […]
Read MoreThe Methodist Pension Plan is FULLY FUNDED and why that matters to local Methodist Churches
Wespath released a report confirming that its pension plan for clergy of the United Methodist is FULLY FUNDED. In the Wespath report, you will see the graph below which shows the difference between the funding basis and the market basis. The funding basis is what is […]
Read MoreThe Constitutional Parameters of the Methodist Trust Clause
According to the United States Supreme Court, the determination of whether the Methodist Trust clause is a question that is to be decided on a state by state basis. The story behind this decision is as follows: When it came to judicial decisions concerning the […]
Read MoreFirst United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda, Florida announces separation from the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Punta Gorda, Fla. — June 8, 2022 — 1st United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda, located at 507 W. Marion Avenuein Punta Gorda, announced its plans to leave the United Methodist Church and form a new church, New Life in Christ, at its present location. […]
Read MoreWhy hire an experienced Religious Property Dispute attorney when leaving the United Methodist Church.
In complicated situations involving a religious property dispute, you may wish to avoid the risk of losing your property and ministry by relying on an illusory promise of help “someday” for some entity. The same is true for those seeking to use “free” legal services […]
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The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC have the experience and the knowledge to work with you to develop a legal solution that helps accomplish your goals. Our collaborative approach has helped leaders like you grow businesses and banks, develop and expand churches, and build nonprofit organizations nationwide.
Our Practice Areas
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Rockford, IL 61101
Mitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
In my role as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God, quite often we are faced with issues that involve local governments and municipalities. Many of these issues that arise in dealing with entities are land use related. I have found Dalton & Tomich’s experience and expertise in this area to be a valuable resource and asset in every situation.
Tim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
Never one time during a year-long litigation process did Dalton & Tomich demonstrate anything other than Christ-like professionalism. They managed the legal details, while we continued to do church. How they managed themselves, managed our case, and represented our church set the table for me and our church to be where we are today.
Ronnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Dalton & Tomich’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. Their personal interest in helping us went “above and beyond” just the call of duty.