Civil Disputes · Novi, Michigan
Civil Litigation Attorneys in Novi, Michigan
Understand your options and take an informed next step. Tilchin & Hall provides practical guidance and representation in civil disputes.
Serving Clients Since 1978
Based in Novi, serving the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Learn more about the firm.
Our Approach
Clear Guidance When a Dispute Demands Your Attention
A legal dispute can bring uncertainty about your options and what comes next. Tilchin & Hall takes time to understand the circumstances, review relevant information, and discuss potential approaches with you.
The firm's civil litigation practice emphasizes direct communication and practical advice. We explain the considerations behind each decision in plain terms, so you can weigh the choices in front of you without jargon and without pressure.
Whether you are considering a claim or responding to one already brought against you, the goal is a clear understanding of your situation and the steps that may follow.
Disputes We Handle
Civil Disputes We Handle
The firm's civil litigation practice covers the disputes below. Descriptions explain the matters we handle without predicting results.
Real Estate Disputes
Property and development-related disagreements, including boundary, title, easement, and use disputes.
- Boundary disputes
- Title and easement disputes
- Use and access disputes
- Development disputes
Condominium & HOA Disputes
Community association matters requiring dispute resolution, including enforcement, assessments, and owner concerns.
- Bylaw enforcement
- Assessment disputes
- Owner and board disputes
- Governing document disputes
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Rental disagreements and eviction matters involving residential property owners and tenants.
- Lease disputes
- Eviction matters
- Property damage claims
- Lease violations
Will Contests
Disputes involving the validity of a will, including challenges to capacity, undue influence, and proper execution.
- Validity challenges
- Capacity questions
- Undue influence claims
- Execution disputes
Contract & Related Business Disputes
Matters within the firm's documented litigation practice involving agreements and related business conflicts.
- Contract disputes
- Breach of agreement
- Business conflicts
- Related civil matters
Other Civil Matters
An invitation to discuss whether a particular dispute falls within the firm's civil litigation scope.
- Case evaluation
- Scope review
- Dispute assessment
- Next-step discussion
Negotiation & Mediation
Exploring Resolution Through Negotiation or Mediation
Some disputes may be addressed through direct discussions or a facilitated process, depending on the circumstances. Not every matter requires a court determination, and some can be resolved before reaching that stage.
It helps to understand the difference between two distinct roles:
- Representation during negotiations or mediation — an attorney advocates for a client's interests while working toward a resolution.
- A neutral mediator — a mediator helps the parties explore their own agreement and does not decide the outcome or represent either side.
The firm offers separate mediation services. Whether negotiation, mediation, or litigation fits your matter depends on the circumstances, and we discuss the options with you.
Learn more about resolution options
The firm's separate mediation offering has its own page with more detail on that process.
The Process
What Might a Civil Case Involve?
A general overview, not a fixed path. The sequence and requirements vary, and a matter may resolve at different stages.
Initial Review
Understanding the issue and the relevant information.
Claims & Responses
Addressing the positions presented by the parties.
Information & Preparation
Gathering and evaluating the relevant material.
Resolution
Considering settlement or proceeding to a court determination.
The sequence and requirements vary by matter, and a case may resolve at different stages. This overview is educational and does not describe every civil case.
Before You Call
Preparing to Discuss Your Dispute
A little preparation helps us understand your situation more quickly. You do not need everything organized before reaching out—the list below is a starting point.
After learning about your circumstances, we can help identify which information and documents are relevant. Please share existing materials through the firm's approved intake process rather than attaching sensitive files to an initial message.
Information that often helps
- A brief summary of what happened.
- Your main concerns and desired outcome.
- Important dates or upcoming court appearances.
- Relevant agreements, correspondence, or notices.
- Information about any existing case.
- Names of the parties involved.
Have an upcoming court date or a date shown in legal papers? Call the office at 248-349-6203 and mention it when you inquire.
Our Attorneys
Meet Attorneys with Relevant Civil Litigation Experience
Direct communication and personal attention are part of how the firm works. These attorneys handle civil litigation matters.
Corene C. Ford
Corene C. Ford focuses on civil litigation, including real estate, association, contract, and related matters, helping clients evaluate disputes and the paths available to resolve them.
View profile
Ryan Hartigan
Ryan Hartigan practices civil litigation, working with clients to understand their circumstances and the steps involved in addressing a dispute.
View profile
Discuss Your Civil Litigation Matter
Request a consultation to review your dispute and the options available to resolve it.
Request a consultationInsights
Insights on Property & Civil Disputes
Educational reading on property and civil dispute topics from the firm.
Firm NewsThe Re-Birth of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act Claims Against Residential Builders
For Michigan homeowners dealing with defective construction, delays, unfinished work, or misleading statements from a residential builder, a recent Michigan Supreme Court decision…
Firm NewsThe Importance of Written Agreements for Co-Owned Property
Owning property with others, whether family members, friends, or business partners, can be a practical way to acquire real estate. But without a clear agreement in place,…
Firm NewsRecent Michigan Legislation Affecting Landlords
On 9/21/26, Governor Whitmer signed 2026 PA 102 and 2026 PA 103 and into law. These laws became effective immediately. 2026 PA 102 amends MCL 554.609, which is found in the…
FAQs
Civil Litigation Questions
Answers to common questions about the firm's civil litigation practice. For your specific circumstances, please contact our office.
The firm handles civil disputes including real estate, condominium and HOA, landlord-tenant, will contests, and contract and related business matters. See the disputes section above for the areas we cover, and contact our office to discuss whether your matter fits our practice.
Yes. You are welcome to request a discussion if a claim has been brought against you. Whether the firm can represent you depends on the matter and the firm's review, so please describe the general nature of the dispute when you reach out.
No. Potential paths vary and may include negotiated or mediated resolution, or proceeding to a court determination. The approach that fits depends on the circumstances of your matter, and we discuss the options with you.
In litigation, an attorney represents a client in a court process toward a determination by a judge or jury. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps the parties explore their own agreement; the mediator does not decide the outcome. The firm offers separate mediation services, and we can explain how each may apply to your situation.
It helps to gather a brief summary of what happened, your main concerns and desired outcome, important dates or upcoming court appearances, relevant agreements or notices, information about any existing case, and the names of the parties involved. We can help identify which materials are relevant after learning about your matter.
Timing depends on the matter, the process involved, the court's schedule, and other circumstances. We cannot provide a reliable estimate before understanding your situation, and we will discuss what to expect after reviewing the details.
Fees depend on the scope and complexity of the matter. Please contact our office to discuss scope, fees, and arrangements; we do not publish specific prices here, and we will explain how fees would apply to your situation.
Yes. Based in Novi, the firm serves the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Service coverage extends beyond the physical office location.
Our Novi Office
Discuss Your Civil Matter with Our Novi Office
Tell us the general nature of your concern and how to reach you. Contact our Novi office to request an appointment and discuss how the firm may be able to assist.
Tilchin & Hall, P.C.
39500 High Pointe Blvd
Ste 470
Novi, MI 48375
Based in Novi, the firm serves the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Visit the Novi office page.
Request an Appointment
Tell us the general nature of your dispute and how to reach you. Contact our Novi office to request an appointment and discuss how the firm may be able to assist.