Church Property Disputes/Denominational Splits
Christ Church of Fairview Heights, Illinois leaves the United Methodist Church and retains its property
We are pleased to announce that our client, the former Christ United Methodist Church of Fairview Heights, Illinois Inc, successfully and amicably separated from the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The joint press release provides as follows: The Illinois Great […]
Read MoreA Constitutional Separation Protocol and 2022 General Conference is doubtful for the United Methodist Church
On Friday April 16, 2021, the United Methodist Judicial Council released an important decision concerning the future of the proposed Separation Protocol. The opinion touches on two important topics: Advisory Opinions and the Constitutionality of a Separation Protocol. It is clear that the Judicial Council will […]
Read MoreTexas Court strikes down the Methodist Trust Clause
In a landmark decision, a Dallas Texas County Court invalidated the enforcement of the United Methodist Trust Clause in favor of Southern Methodist University thereby freeing it from property ownership claims of the South-Central Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Court entered an order dismissing […]
Read MoreThe 5 myths you might have heard about the UMC trust clause – and why it might not be as scary as you think.
Many pastors who are considering leaving the United Methodist Church think the trust clause is a set-in-stone rule that can’t be beat – and that’s simply not true! I hope this blog helps provide a bit more understanding about how the law around it works […]
Read MoreDelaying the UMC General Conference to deny a vote on the Separation Protocol
The United Methodist Church once again took steps on February 26, 2021 to ignore the concerns of local Methodist Churches and kick the proverbial can down the road of the schism within the denomination by rejecting the opportunity to have an amicable resolution to the […]
Read MoreThe U.S. Supreme Court allows Local Churches to keep their Property in Religious Property Disputes
In a huge blow to the Episcopal Church, and an enormous threat to the United Methodist Church, the United States Supreme Court today denied the final appeal of the Episcopal Church in its dispute concerning ownership of religious property with the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, […]
Read MoreOptions for the local Methodist Church with no vote on the Separation Protocol
It is fairly clear that a vote on the Protocol will not occur in 2021. And it is likely that there will not be any type of action taken on the proposed separation protocol is not addressed until 2024. It is time for local Methodist […]
Read MoreLaying the groundwork to abandon the proposed UMC Separation Protocol
If you are following the news involving the United Methodist Church, you may have heard of the Separation Protocol – a proposal to split the United Methodist Church into three denominations. The proposal was announced with much fanfare one year ago and celebrated by many […]
Read MoreA brief explanation of the Reformed Church plan to separate
The Reformed Church of America (RCA) is debating how best to separate into different denominations based on significant theological debates. A team called “Vision 20/20” evaluated the issues and proposed a plan of separation. Watch this video to learn more. Should you have additional questions […]
Read MorePensions are protected for Clergy leaving the United Methodist Church
One of the biggest issues that remain for clergy is whether their pension will follow them when they leave the United Methodist Church denomination. Wespath, the pension provided for the UMC, has three pensions and one 403(b) plan that clergy can participate in. The […]
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The business and employment attorneys of Dalton & Tomich take your business just as seriously as you do. Attorneys Zana Tomich and Noel Sterett are trusted by closely held family businesses and others across Michigan and Northern Illinois as invaluable partners and counselors. We guarantee all your calls and emails will be returned within one business day so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Drew PatrickOwner & President, Skidmore Studio
Having worked with Zana for 10 years, I can attest to her professionalism, her pragmatism, and most importantly, her integrity. I always get sound, thoughtful advice and guidance. From routine filings & updates to the highly unexpected, Zana’s there to help, always responding quickly and […]
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Read MoreLuis HermosilloProfessional Photographer, Northern Illinois
As a professional photographer in the wedding industry, reliable communication is very important to me. Noel was very knowledgeable and quick to respond to all of my questions and not just that, he also gave me suggestions when reviewing and updating my contract. The entire […]
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Zana’s expert guidance has helped us to move forward with clarity and confidence in our business endeavors. She helped us create a new business entity, and a few years later to navigate a tricky buyout—all with a clear path forward for business growth. Her calm […]
Read MoreMorgan FedroHealth Coach, WellTours LLC, Oak Forest, IL
Noel’s guidance was much appreciated when redrafting my client contract. He was very professional, respectful of my time and potential costs, and was sincere with his advice. I trusted that he had the highest good for my business in mind. I will seek out his […]
Read MoreAmanda LewanCo-Founder & CEO, Bamboo Detroit
Zana’s expertise in employee law has helped us refine and build a stronger operations and hiring strategy at my company. As a business owner of a small and fast growing company, I very much appreciate Zana’s ability to always step into any situation quickly and […]
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