Experienced Attorneys
Innovative Solutions
Innovative Solutions
Oakland County Condominium & HOA Lawyers
Managing a condominium or homeowner association in Oakland County requires navigating the Michigan Condominium Act, the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act, local municipal ordinances, and complex community dynamics. Located in Southfield, Szura & Delonis, PLC, our Oakland County condo & HOA lawyers provide comprehensive legal counsel to association boards across Oakland County. Led by attorney Richard Delonis, who brings 9 years of firsthand experience serving on a Michigan condo and HOA board of directors, our firm doesn’t just know the law—we understand the practical realities of working with property managers, balancing budgets, and protecting the community. From recording assessment liens at the Oakland County Register of Deeds in Pontiac to enforcing bylaws in the local district courts and the 6th judicial circuit court, we offer decisive, local representation.
Proactive HOA General Counsel & Document Amendments
Outdated governing documents leave community associations vulnerable to litigation and unenforceable rules. We help Oakland County boards modernize their framework to handle today’s challenges, including short-term rentals, architectural controls, and aggressive pets.
- Master Deed & Bylaw Amendments: Drafting legally sound amendments and ensuring they are properly recorded in Pontiac.
- Vendor Contract Review: Protecting the association from unfair liability in landscaping, snow removal, and property management contracts.
- Board Governance & Fiduciary Compliance: Advising directors on proper meeting procedures, voting thresholds, and Fair Housing Act compliance to prevent individual liability.
Resolving Oakland County HOA Disputes & Collections
When condominium owners or homeowners fail to pay their assessments or blatantly violate restrictive covenants, it drains association resources. We execute a strict, compliant collections and enforcement process tailored to Oakland County jurisdictions.
| Type of HOA Legal Action | Typical Oakland County Venue | How Szura & Delonis Helps |
| Assessment Collections (Under $25,000) | District Courts (e.g., 46th in Southfield, 52-1 in Novi, 52-4 in Troy) | Filing lawsuits for unpaid dues, obtaining money judgments, and executing garnishments. |
| Injunctions & Covenant Enforcement | Oakland County 6th Circuit Court (Pontiac) | Seeking court orders to force homeowner compliance (e.g., removing unauthorized structures, enforcing maintenance responsibilities) or litigating major disputes. |
| Recording Condominium/HOA Liens | Oakland County Register of Deeds (Pontiac) | Placing a legal encumbrance on a delinquent property to secure the association’s right to payment before a sale or foreclosure. |
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Private Mediation / Arbitration | Resolving disputes efficiently without public court battles. |
Frequently Asked Questions by Oakland County Boards
Where does our Condominium Association or HOA record a lien for unpaid assessments in Oakland County?
To establish a valid lien against a co-owner’s property for unpaid assessments, the lien must be formally recorded with the Oakland County Register of Deeds, located at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341. Our firm handles the drafting and recording process to ensure compliance with the Michigan Condominium Act.
Which court handles condominium or HOA covenant enforcement lawsuits in Oakland County?
Lawsuits seeking injunctive relief—such as forcing a condominium owner to comply with maintenance obligations or forcing a homeowner to remove an unapproved fence or cease a nuisance—are filed in the Oakland County 6th Circuit Court. It is important to note that under Michigan law (MCL 600.8031), cases involving the enforcement of condo and HOA governing documents are specifically excluded from the specialized Business Court and are heard by the general civil judges.
Can our board members be sued personally by a disgruntled condo owner or homeowner?
While it is always possible for a condo owner or a homeowner to file a lawsuit, courts in Michigan generally protect volunteer board members under the business judgment rule. This legal doctrine presumes that board decisions are made in good faith, with the care of an ordinarily prudent person, and in the best interest of the community. As long as the board operates within the authority granted by the Michigan Condominium Act and the association’s governing documents—and avoids fraud or self-dealing—individual directors can be shielded from personal liability for their business decisions. Additionally, properly drafted bylaws provide indemnification, and we help boards ensure their Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance is adequate and that their decisions strictly follow the community’s governing documents to minimize personal exposure.
Protect Your Community’s Bottom Line
Failing to consistently enforce your bylaws or collect assessments doesn’t just hurt your budget—it can create legal precedents that make future enforcement difficult. Whether your board needs to completely rewrite a 30-year-old Master Deed, negotiate a property management contract, or aggressively pursue delinquent dues, you need counsel that understands both the law and the boardroom.
Partner with an Oakland County legal team that has actually sat in your seat.
Address: 29777 Telegraph Rd #2401 Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 716-3600
Email: admin@szuradelonis.com
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