Do you own or plan to purchase property on or near a Michigan lake or other waterbody? Are you concerned about others using your property to access the water without your permission? Or would you like to legally access the water using someone else’s property? The Michigan-based attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC are knowledgeable in this complex area of the law. Please contact us for assistance.
The Michigan laws that govern property rights pertaining to lakes and other waterbodies in the state are complicated. Disputes and confusion between neighboring property owners are common. To help you better understand these laws and assist you in navigating the legal options surrounding easements and access, we created a free downloadable resource called “Easements, Access and Riparian Rights: A Guide to the Laws Governing Access to Michigan’s Lakes, Streams and Waterways.”
The guide will give you a better understanding of your property rights—whether you own or plan to purchase property on or near a lake or other waterbody. Specifically, you will learn the significance of owning land that touches a waterbody, as opposed to being near one. And you will learn how you can legally access a lake or other waterbody using another person’s private property.
If you have concerns about others using your property to access the water without your permission, our free guide to Easements, Access and Riparian rights may be a valuable resource.
Download the Free Guide NowWe hope you find the guide to be a useful resource. The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC recognize how important access to Michigan’s lakes and rivers is to property owners throughout the state. We help clients across Michigan secure easements and defend and exercise the riparian rights that govern access to our beautiful lakes and other waterbodies.
We welcome the opportunity to assist you in resolving your lake access, easement or other riparian rights issue. Please call 313.859.6000 or email the authors with questions.
Michigan Property Law, Easements and Access to the Water
Who Owns the Land Under the Water in Michigan?
Ways to Access a Michigan Lake, River or Other Waterbody
Michigan law protects your rights as an owner of property adjacent to a lake or other body of water. These are know as "riparian rights." Our free downloadable guide explains what these rights entail and your options for defending them. We'd be happy to speak with you about your situation. Please contact us. Our video on Michigan's trespassing law may also be a helpful resource.
An easement is the right to use land owned by another party for a specified purpose, in this case, to access a lake or other body of water. Our free downloadable guide called “Easements, Access and Riparian Rights: A Guide to the Laws Governing Access to Michigan’s Lakes, Streams and Waterways” explains what easements can accomplish in this regard and will help you determine when it might be helpful to work with an attorney to secure one. It also explains the different types of easements and processes by which they can be granted. Our video "What is an Easement?" may also be helpful here.
Important Resources
Free Guide to Michigan Easements, Lake Access and Riparian Rights
Video: Riparian Rights in Michigan
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