Water Access
Boundary Lines on the Great Lakes
Summers in Michigan are second to none. In addition to being home to more than 10,000 inland lakes, we also boast the world-renowned Great Lakes. And many Michiganders own property bordering on one of those Great Lakes. In our Easements, Access and Riparian Rights guide, […]
Read MoreHow to Appeal EGLE’s Dock Permit Decision
A few months ago, we posted an article on when a riparian owner needs a dock permit for a Michigan inland lake or stream. As we said, those permits are issued by the Water Resources Division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and […]
Read MoreLawrence Opalewski named an Up and Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit—June 14, 2021—Lawrence Opalewski, a zoning, land use, and religious property attorney at Dalton + Tomich, has been named an Up and Coming Lawyer by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly. This […]
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 More5 Quick Tips Before Buying Lakefront Property
Buying property on one of Michigan’s many inland lakes is a dream for many. Fishing, swimming, sunset boat rides, and quiet mornings on the water can create priceless memories. However, if a buyer doesn’t do proper due diligence, a dream waterfront property can become a […]
Read MoreDan Dalton named a 2021 DBusiness Top Lawyer in Land Use and Zoning
Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit—November 4, 2020—Detroit-based land use, business, and denominational trust law firm Dalton & Tomich is pleased to announce that Daniel P. Dalton, a founding partner of the firm, has been named to the […]
Read MoreLakefront property owner wins disputed strip of land
Michigan courts once again shines the spotlight on the significance of a plat in lakefront property disputes. The case of Saunders v. Rhodes (decided June 18, 2020) started with a dispute between two property owners over a strip of land abutting Chippewa Lake, in Mecosta […]
Read MoreKnow your (water) rights before purchasing that lakefront home
Land use attorney highlights eight considerations when buying waterfront property Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit—June 23, 2020—Outdoor recreation seekers are flocking to the water now that summer is here and states have begun relaxing their COVID-19 restrictions, […]
Read MoreCourt of Appeals Allows Docks and Mooring of Boats in Private Park
One of the more common issues when discussing riparian rights is whether access to a privately dedicated park includes the right to access the water and erect docks. While certain legal principles control the analysis, each case is decided on its own facts. Recently, the […]
Read More“Partying” on the Lake — The Power of Dedication Language in a Subdivision Plat
Recorded about 80 years ago, the dedication language in a plat became the subject of a lawsuit which made it the Michigan Court of Appeals 3 years ago (Yuska v. Hasler). Yuska v. Hasler serves as a reminder that dedication language in a plat could […]
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:180 W. Washington St., Suite 400
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.