Firm News
Mississippi Church Files Suit Against Hinds County for Treating Religious Assembly Uses Unequally
On April 27, 2021, we filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of The Church at Jackson against Hinds County, Mississippi for violating the “equal terms” provision of the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (“RLUIPA”), 42 U.S.C. 2000cc(b)(1). Last year, the church acquired a […]
Read MoreRiparian rights, bottomland ownership and underwater trespassing
As a general rule, an owner of an inland lake house in Michigan holds title to the submerged land (the bottomland) to the middle lake.1 And while it is somewhat unusual to think of a trespass on submerged lands, Michigan courts have held that the […]
Read MoreRunning a For-Profit Business In Accordance With Religious Values (Part 1, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws)
For many business owners, running their business in accordance with their religious values is a non-negotiable. Their religious values are often what drive them and make their businesses successful. This is particularly true when business owners define success as being, first and foremost, faithful to […]
Read MoreThree Ways Boilerplate Language Impacts a Business Divorce
Time and again, I am contacted by clients experiencing difficulty with their business partners, or fellow shareholders, and looking for a way out. The conversation usually results in a review of the company’s organizational documents. More often than not, we find the parties adopted boilerplate […]
Read MoreDalton + Tomich promotes Emily Traister to Director of Operations
Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit — March 8, 2021—Emily Traister has been named the Director of Operations for Detroit-headquartered Dalton + Tomich. She joined the firm in 2018 and previously served as office manager and executive assistant. […]
Read MoreLawrence Opalewski named a partner at Dalton & Tomich
Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit—March 1, 2021—Daniel Dalton and Zana Tomich, co-founders, and Noel Sterett, partner with the law firm of Dalton + Tomich,are pleased to announce attorney Lawrence Opalewski has been named a partner. Based in […]
Read MoreReligious property attorney responds to United Methodist Church announcement to hold off general conference vote on separation protocol until 2022
“Many (UMC) churches that have been waiting on the sidelines to leave will do so now, and the denomination will collapse” Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Dan Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit —February 25, 2021—Daniel Dalton, a religious property and land use attorney […]
Read MoreUnused Church Property Presents a Huge Opportunity in 2021
In 2020, church buildings went mostly unused. COVID restrictions canceled or severely limited in-person worship services. Other church events and activities suffered the same fate. While some churches successfully transitioned to life online, most struggled without the ability to meet in person and experienced a […]
Read MoreThe U.S. Supreme Court allows Local Churches to keep their Property in Religious Property Disputes
In a huge blow to the Episcopal Church, and an enormous threat to the United Methodist Church, the United States Supreme Court today denied the final appeal of the Episcopal Church in its dispute concerning ownership of religious property with the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, […]
Read MoreWhen the Pursuit of Justice Goes Virtual
Many law firms promote their services by telling you that they know their way around a courtroom. But do they know their way around a virtual courtroom? Unfortunately, many attorneys do not, which creates problems for their clients and the courts. Case in point: see […]
Read MoreAbout Us
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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call us: 313.859.6000
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Detroit:The Chrysler House
719 Griswold Street, Suite 270
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Parking in Financial District Garage (730 Shelby Street, access via Lafayette and Shelby) -
Chicago:33. N. LaSalle, Suite 3350
Chicago, IL 60602
312.235.6858 -
Rockford:401 W. State St., Suite 509
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.