Trusted Contract Drafting for Michigan Businesses and SellersTrusted Contract Drafting
for Michigan Businesses and Sellers
25 years drafting contracts and forming LLCs that hold up in Michigan courts. Our attorneys manage every deal with precision and direct attention, from first draft to final signature.
Michigan Contract Law: Documents That Protect YouMichigan Contract Law:
Documents That Protect You
Michigan's Statute of Frauds requires any transaction over $1,000 to be in writing, most private sellers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs do not know this until it is too late.
Makowski Legal's contracts and transactional practice handles the document-based legal work that protects you in business formation, private sales, and commercial agreements, entirely document-based, no courtroom required, available via Zoom statewide.
Whether you are forming an LLC, drafting a services contract, selling a business, or selling a firearm privately, the right document is the only protection you have. Most people skip it. The ones who do not are the ones who do not end up in court.
What We Cover
If it involves money, it belongs in writing.
Michigan law requires it, and so does protecting yourself.
Business Contract Drafting
LLC and Business Formation
Corporate Structure and Operating Agreements
First Meeting Minutes
Contract Review and Advisory
Sale of Business Agreements
Private Sale Agreements (including firearms)
Statute of Frauds Compliance Review
Why Makowski Legal Delivers Contracts That Hold Up
Makowski Legal has spent over 25 years navigating the details of Michigan civil law, drafting and reviewing contracts, business formations, and private sale agreements for clients across the state. Our firm has seen firsthand what happens when agreements are vague or poorly structured: businesses collapse under unresolved terms, LLC owners face unexpected personal liability, and carefully negotiated deals unravel because the document doesn't match the intent. We know the risks aren't hypothetical because we've helped clients fix the fallout for decades.
Our attorneys take a precision-first approach to every document, combining clear, specific language with a litigation-aware mindset. We don't just write contracts, we build legal safeguards that anticipate real-world conflicts and prevent them from escalating. Whether forming a new business entity or finalizing a private transaction, we ensure every clause supports your goals and withstands scrutiny. This proactive focus on accuracy and enforceability is how we protect our clients before problems start.
Makowski Legal is the practical choice for anyone in Michigan who wants their agreements done right the first time. We help you move forward with confidence, knowing your contracts are airtight, compliant, and built to last. Work with our firm before you sign anything.
Who We Serve
Makowski Legal's contracts and transactional practice serves clients who need the right document drafted correctly the first time.
Private Firearm Sellers
Michigan's Statute of Frauds applies to private sales. A written agreement protects both buyer and seller and documents the transfer of ownership.
Small Business Owners
Contracts, operating agreements, and first meeting minutes drafted for LLCs, sole proprietors, and partnerships across Michigan.
Entrepreneurs and Startups
LLC formation, initial operating agreements, and founder agreements drafted to protect your business from day one.
Private Property Sellers
Private real estate sales and property transfers require written, signed agreements under Michigan law. We draft them correctly.
What You Actually Get
Clear, actionable legal documents tailored to your needs.
LLC Formation Package
Articles of Organization. This official document is filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to officially create your LLC. It ensures your business is legally recognized and protected from the start.
Operating Agreement. A comprehensive internal guide for your LLC, this document outlines member roles, voting rights, profit distribution, and management structure. Our firm drafts the operating agreement your Michigan LLC needs to avoid disputes and ensure smooth operations.
First Meeting Minutes. These records document the initial meeting of your LLC members, capturing key decisions, roles assigned, and next steps. They provide a clear paper trail for governance and compliance.
Member Certificate (if applicable). This document confirms a member's ownership stake and voting rights within the LLC. It is especially important in multi-member LLCs for clarity and legal protection.
Registered Agent Instructions. This guide explains how to appoint and maintain a registered agent in Michigan, ensuring your LLC receives all legal and tax documents on time and in compliance with state law. As an LLC formation lawyer serving clients across Michigan, we handle this setup from day one.
Private Sale Agreement
Purchase and Sale Agreement. This legally binding document outlines the terms of the sale, including purchase price, payment terms, and conditions of the transaction. As your Michigan private sale agreement attorney, we protect both buyer and seller by clearly defining expectations.
Bill of Sale. A formal document that transfers ownership of an asset from the seller to the buyer. As your bill of sale drafting attorney, we prepare these documents for tax and legal purposes, especially when selling vehicles, firearms, or high-value items.
Notarization Coordination. Our team ensures all necessary documents are properly notarized, adding an extra layer of legal authenticity and compliance. This step is crucial for enforceability and validity in court if needed.
Transfer Receipt. This document serves as proof that the transfer of ownership has taken place. It is a valuable record for both parties and may be required for future legal or financial purposes.
Business Contract Drafting
Services Agreement. This document defines the scope of work, payment terms, and responsibilities between a service provider and a client. As a Michigan business contract lawyer, our firm drafts these to prevent misunderstandings and keep both parties aligned.
Non-Disclosure Agreement. This legally enforceable contract prevents parties from sharing confidential information. It is essential for protecting trade secrets, business strategies, and proprietary data.
Non-Compete Agreement. This agreement restricts a party from engaging in competitive activities within a defined geographic area and time period. It is commonly used to protect a business's interests after an employee leaves.
Contractor Agreement. This document outlines the terms of engagement between a business and an independent contractor, including payment, scope of work, and termination clauses. It helps define expectations and legal responsibilities.
Engagements are scoped per client. The documents listed above represent common deliverables. Our attorneys will confirm exactly what your transaction requires during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Michigan business owners and contractors need to know
Michigan's Statute of Frauds requires certain types of contracts to be in writing and signed to be legally enforceable. This includes any contract for the sale of goods over $1,000, real estate transactions, contracts that cannot be completed within one year, and contracts involving the sale of a business. Verbal agreements on these matters are not enforceable in Michigan court. If it is not in writing, it may not hold. Our firm works with clients statewide to ensure their high-value or long-term agreements comply with Michigan law. As a trusted statute of frauds lawyer Michigan businesses rely on, we help identify which contracts must be documented and draft clear, enforceable terms that protect your interests from the start.
Yes, and especially so in Michigan. A written private sale agreement documents the transfer, establishes the agreed price and condition, and protects both parties from disputes about what was sold and for how much. For NFA items or transactions involving firearms with unique legal considerations, a written agreement is not required. It is essential. Our firm's existing gun law practice makes this a natural fit for clients who buy or sell firearms privately. We act as your Michigan private sale agreement attorney, drafting clear, legally sound documents that reduce liability and prevent disputes. For added peace of mind, we also offer bill of sale drafting attorney services to ensure every detail is properly documented.
Michigan LLC formation requires Articles of Organization filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and an Operating Agreement, which, while not legally required, is essential for defining how the LLC operates, who has authority, and how profits and losses are distributed. The first meeting minutes establish the initial decisions of the LLC on record. Most LLCs formed without an attorney use internet templates that omit critical provisions. Our firm provides experienced guidance as your LLC formation lawyer Michigan entrepreneurs trust. We draft the operating agreement Michigan businesses need to operate smoothly and consult on corporate structure for clients across the state. Let Makowski Legal be your business formation attorney near me, delivering remote, personalized service via Zoom.
A business service contract should clearly define the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, and termination rights to protect your interests. Our firm serves as a trusted Michigan business contract lawyer, helping clients create enforceable agreements that prevent disputes before they start. We include precise language on deliverables and performance expectations so both parties know their responsibilities. Provisions for breach, liability limits, and dispute resolution are also built in to reduce your risk. We focus on clarity and enforceability under Michigan law, ensuring your contract stands up if challenged.
Common mistakes in independent contractor agreements include vague job descriptions, missing payment terms, and lack of intellectual property or confidentiality clauses. Our attorneys routinely fix these oversights by drafting clear, compliant contracts that define the relationship and protect your business. We ensure proper classification under Michigan law to avoid costly misclassification penalties. Work product ownership is explicitly assigned, and confidentiality is secured. We act as your transactional lawyer Michigan businesses rely on for solid, practical contract solutions that support growth and reduce exposure.
An LLC is a legal business structure that limits personal liability and offers tax flexibility, and forming one is often the right move for small to mid-sized businesses. We act as your LLC formation lawyer across Michigan, guiding clients through entity selection, registration, and operating agreement setup. Our attorneys assess whether an LLC fits your goals better than a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. We handle filings with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and ensure compliance with state requirements. This structure is ideal for entrepreneurs who want liability protection without corporate complexity.
A single-member LLC offers simplicity in management and taxation, while a multi-member LLC allows shared ownership and pooled resources but requires an operating agreement to define roles and profit splits. We help clients evaluate which structure supports their long-term vision. Our attorneys draft operating agreements that prevent internal disputes, even among family or close partners. Both types provide liability protection, but multi-member setups need clear governance rules. We act as your corporate structure lawyer Michigan entrepreneurs trust to build scalable, compliant businesses.
To protect yourself before signing a contract you didn't write, have it reviewed by a qualified attorney who understands your position and risks. We serve as a contract review attorney Michigan clients count on for thorough, fast analysis of incoming agreements. Our team identifies hidden liabilities, unfair terms, and gaps in protection, then advises on negotiation points or redlines. Never assume the other side's contract is balanced. A proper review takes little time but can prevent costly disputes.