Smooth Transitions: Structuring Michigan Cottage Ownership for the Next Generation
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Join us for this practical program designed for advisors, fiduciaries, and families who want to preserve multi‑generational access to a family cottage while minimizing tax exposure and intra‑family conflict. This program explains how Michigan’s property tax “uncapping” rules interact with trusts, LLCs, and ownership rules to keep holding costs manageable for future generations while protecting family relationships.
WHERE:
- Richard M. DeVos Center, GVSU University Club – Pew Campus
- 401 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids, MI
AGENDA
3:30-4:00PM Networking and light snacks and softdrinks
4:00-5:00PM Program presentation and discussion
5:00-5:30PM Networking and program closure
WMEPC Members: $0
Non-Members: $50
About the panelists:
Mark Harder, Of Counsel, Warner Norcross + Judd
Mark’s private client and family office practice is national in scope, even while many of his current clients have Michigan ties. For him, the personal alignment with his clients remains integral and continuity, key; he has both pride and humility in the fact that he has worked for some client families for multiple generations over the past 30+ years.
As chair of the committee that wrote the Michigan Trust Code, Mark not only contributed to crafting it, and then helped to nudge it through the legislature, he wrote the reporter’s commentary, which he continues to annotate and update ─ on an annual basis. “I am probably the only person in Michigan who has typed every single word of the trust code,” he says. “He is the best trusts and estate lawyer in the state – he is an amazing practitioner,” one of his clients enthused to Chambers USA.
Mark earned his J.D.from Universtiy of Iowa (with highest distinction) and his B.B.A from Univeristy of Iowa (with high distinction.)
Christian Meyer, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Chris is a real estate attorney who helps clients achieve their real estate, zoning and property tax objectives. He believes that successful businesses are at the core of a thriving community and finds it gratifying to work with others to bring real estate projects to fruition, providing more and better jobs, housing and services for residents.
He served as a gubernatorial appointee for eight years on the Michigan Electronic Recording Commission, including two years as chair. Chris also serves as the firm’s Co-Pro Bono Coordinator and as the incoming board president for Legal Aid of Western Michigan. He has been instrumental in growing the pro-bono services the firm provides.
He earned his J.D. from University of Virginia, an M.A. from University of Notre Dame, and his B.A. from Calvin University.
