Thomas. R. Morris

B.A., International Relations, James Madison College, Michigan State University. J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1986. Practice concentrated in bankruptcy, commercial law, business law, workouts, real estate and complex situations.

Appeals & Appellate

Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals

Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Relief

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Collections

Foreclosure Defense

International Law

Human Rights, Imports & Exports

• Free Consultation
  The depth and duration of the free consultation depends upon the nature and scope of the potential engagement.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Standard hourly rate is $350.

Michigan

Since 1986

6th Circuit

Since 1986

member

Morris & Morris Attorneys, P.L.L.C.

2021 - Current

member

Silverman & Morris, P.L.L.C.

2003 - 2021

shareholder

Shefferly, Silverman & Morris

1990 - 2003

attorney

Schlussel, Lifton

1985 - 1989

University of Michigan Law School

J.D.

1983 - 1986

Michigan State University

B.A. | international relations

1978 - 1982

James Madison College

listing 2008 to present

Superlawyers

Creditor/Debtors Rights Committee, Business Law Section, State Bar of Michigan

member

2008 - Current

American Bankruptcy Institute

member

1996 - Current

Activities: Occasional lecturer.

State Bar of Michigan, Business Law Section, Creditor/Debtor Rights Committee

member

1987 - Current

Business Law Section Council

member

2009 - 2015

The Michigan Exemption Initiative

Michigan Business Law Journal

July, 2011

The History and Futrure of Michigan Debtor Exemptions

Michigan Business Law Journal

July, 2010

Representing Small Business Debtors in Bankruptcy

ICLE

2009

The Discharge of "Trustee" Debts: Defining the Term "Fiduciary Capacity" under Bankruptcy Code section 523(a)(4)

Michigan Business Law Journal

March, 2008

Judgment Liens Against Real Property: H.B. 4941 Proposes Major Changes

Michigan Real Property Review

June, 2000

Individual Chapter 11 Reorganizations, ABI Central States conference, Traverse City, Michigan

June 14, 2013

American Bankruptcy Institute

moderator and speaker

Q. I've lost everything. My Ex-husband stole my identity, 2019, and ultimately my home of 18yrs in 2021. Is there a case?

September 29, 2023

A: A forged deed is not valid. You can file suit to challenge the forged deed and regain possession of your property. The notary may also have liability, and the notary probably posted a bond in the amount of $10,000 from which you might recover. You should consult with an attorney because the process of challenging the forged deed is too complex for me to outline in this response.

Q. Property acquired through quitclaim deed has transferability restrictions to heirs at law, but the grantor is deceased.

August 24, 2023

A: The term "heirs at law" is defined by MCL 700.2720 as those persons who would be entitled to a decedent's property if that person died without a will.

A deed does not have to expressly grant water or mineral rights. You did not state that the grantor reserved mineral rights. I do not know what you mean by "water rights". That phrase does not have a specific meaning under Michigan law as far as I know. There are a number of different rights that might be called "water rights".

The restriction purportedly placed on the property by your grandfather seems like an unreasonable restraint on alienation. See MCL 554.51.

Although a title company might sort this out and insure title in your buyer, you may need to consult an attorney. An attorney would need to see the documents. ... Read More

Q. Can I quit claim home to spouse. I have a judgement against myself only. Home is held in tenants by entirety.

August 15, 2023

A: This conveyance could have negative consequences. For example, it could be the basis for the denial of your discharge were you to file bankruptcy. Moreover, the home is currently protected from the creditor according to the facts you gave. Whether you should follow through on your idea requires the consideration of a number of issues. You may wish to consult an attorney regarding your overall plan.

View More Answers ›