Law Office of Bethany Smith

07/24/2020

Landlords and renters can now participate in the State of Michigan's Eviction Diversion Program. This program will pay up to 90% of past due rent (based on the tenant's income). Landlords can receive up to 90% of past due rent in one lump sum from MSHDA's participating local agencies.
If you are a landlord and would like more information on the Eviction Diversion Program, please contact me at (517) 262-1137.
Tenants should visit MSHDA's website or contact Community Action Agency at (517) 784-4800. Tenants may also contact Legal Services at (517) 787-6111.

07/22/2020

Good news for tenants and landlords. There may be financial help to pay your accrued rent. Although a tenant could not be evicted previously under the Governor's Executive Orders, tenants are still responsible for accrued rent.
Help to pay rent is available through eviction diversion programs. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/edp.
You can also contact Legal Services of Southwestern Michigan at 517-787-6111 or Community Action Agency at 517-784-4800. If you are a tenant who has already received eviction paperwork, contact these resources soon before funds run out and you may may be able to receive financial assistance to pay your landlord your back rent.

Michigan State Housing Development Authority -

03/26/2020

As of March 23rd, the Michigan Supreme Court ordered all District Courts to temporarily suspend evictions. The order prohibits any person from removing a tenant or excluding a tenant from a rental property except where the tenant poses a substantial risk to another person, or an imminent and severe risk to property.
Tenants still owe rent at this time, however a landlord is prohibited from sending a tenant a demand for payment at this time.
These new restrictions will be in place until April 17th.

02/19/2020

Good legal representation is not just for the wealthy. I did not come from a wealthy family. I struggled financially at times too. If you have a situation that needs legal help but you are short on cash, call me. We may be able to find a way to help you without emptying your bank account.

02/19/2020

I am excited to announce my move from government in house counsel to private practice. Please contact me if you have a legal issue that you need assistance dealing with. You do not need to face the court system alone. We will solve it together.

During my 20 years of practicing law, I have dealt with legal issues from many areas of the law. If your legal problem is not one that I feel I can handle well for you, I can help refer you to another attorney in the area.