MichiganRiparian.com
A Resource for Lakefront Property Owners
Owning property on one of Michigan’s thousands of lakes can be both a privilege and a challenge. With riparian ownership comes a host of legal questions about docks, boundaries, access rights, local regulations, and state oversight. For many owners, the law in this area feels confusing, inconsistent, or simply unknown. MichiganRiparian.com was created to fill this gap—a comprehensive online resource designed to provide lakefront property owners with clear, accessible, and Michigan-specific information on riparian rights and responsibilities.
At its core, the site is an educational project. It takes complex legal doctrines and presents them in plain language that any lakefront owner can understand. Topics range from the basics of riparian ownership to the nuances of special assessment districts, road-end access disputes, and the state’s unique public trust doctrine. Each section is written to boradly answer the most common questions property owners face, such as: Where does my underwater boundary line end? Can my neighbor’s backlot association install a dock near my property? Do I need a permit for a seawall? What rights does the public have on my shoreline? These are not abstract academic questions; they are the day-to-day issues that shape how families enjoy and protect their lakefront investments.
What makes MichiganRiparian.com distinctive is its connection to real-world practice. The project is developed and maintained by Outside Legal Counsel PLC, a Michigan law firm recognized statewide for its leadership in property rights, riparian disputes, and constitutional litigation. Led by attorney Philip L. Ellison, this law firm has built a reputation for being at the forefront of riparian and property-rights cases. From landmark rulings on road-end access to high-profile litigation over special assessments and regulatory challenges, OLC has consistently been the firm property owners turn to when government overreach or neighbor disputes threaten their rights. The firm’s extensive litigation experience means the content on MichiganRiparian.com is grounded not just in theory but in the actual decisions that shape how the law is applied. We know because we are on the front lines of it.
For riparian owners seeking initial information, MichiganRiparian.com is not a substitute for legal advice, but it is the perfect starting point. The site explains how the law has evolved, where conflicts typically arise, and what remedies might be available. It introduces owners to key legal principles while also directing them to consider professional guidance when disputes escalate. In this way, it empowers readers to ask the right questions, recognize potential problems early, and avoid costly mistakes.
The broader goal of the project is to build awareness and strengthen the voice of Michigan’s riparian and property-rights community. By providing accessible resources, MichiganRiparian.com helps property owners better understand their rights and obligations, fostering a more informed and engaged group of citizens who can stand up for fair treatment and responsible stewardship of Michigan’s inland waters. And by connecting this information hub to the proven advocacy of OLC, the project ensures that visitors not only receive reliable knowledge but also have access to the state’s leading advocates if they need to take the next step.
In short, MichiganRiparian.com is more than just a website; it is a resource for education, empowerment, and advocacy. It reflects OLC’s ongoing commitment to defending property owners against overreach and ensuring that riparian rights remain strong in Michigan law. For anyone who owns, enjoys, or is considering purchasing lakefront property in Michigan, this project is an essential first stop on the path to understanding and protecting one of life’s most valuable investments.
→ Related: Learn more about Outside Legal Counsel PLC