October 2025

An informative e-newsletter for the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Eminent Domain Update: Michigan Court of Appeals Reinforces the Jurisdictional Prerequisite of Writt

Scales

By Peter H. Webster, Dickinson Wright  

In Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation v. E. Richard Midlam, Jr., et. al. COA Case Nos. 366202 and 366766 (May 1, 2025), the Michigan Court of Appeals recently provided a strong reminder and caution for a condemning authority’s acquisition of real property under the Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act, MCL 213.51 et. seq. (“UCPA). A statutorily compliant written good faith offer must be provided to all owners before filing a condemnation complaint. Otherwise, the condemning authority risks dismissal and the attendant consequences. See MCL 213.51(1); Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners v. Shankle, 327 Mich App 407(2019).

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Real Estate Outlook 2026
Thursday, November 6, 2025
The Detroit Athletic Club
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Recent Legislation on the Horizon
Thursday, January 15, 2026
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W Southbeach, Miami
March 5-7, 2026
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Legislative Report

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We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Leslee Lewis at llewis@dickinson-wright.com for suggested topics and ideas.



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Interested in writing an article for the e-Newsletter? Contact co-editors Samuel Kilberg at SKilberg@dykema.com or Glen Zatz at gzatz@bodmanlaw.com.

Can't remember where you saw that e-Newsletter article? Check the e-Newsletter article index.

We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Leslee Lewis at llewis@dickinson-wright.com for suggested topics and ideas.


The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors, and they do not reflect in any way the positions of the State Bar of Michigan or the Real Property Law Section. These columns are meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.