Corcoran Austin PC, Charlevoix MI
James Austin from Corcoran Austin PC

James Austin

Corcoran Austin PC

About Us

Administrative Law
Administrative Law involves disputes with agencies and departments of government which are responsible for carrying out the laws passed by Congress or State Legislature. Often these agencies have their courts and appeal processes and may require an expert that has experience with this focus of the law. If you have an issue that involves law with agencies like Social Security, the Department of Labor or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Corcoran Austin PC lawyers has extensive experience in handling administrative law matters.

Bankruptcy LAW

Bankruptcy Law allows individuals, couples, and businesses that cannot meet their financial obligations to be excused from repaying some or all of their debt. Bankruptcy has been in existence since ancient times. In the United States, the rules and procedures for filing bankruptcy are governed by federal law. Mr. Corcoran has had 31 years of representing Individual and Corporate Debtors, Creditors and Trustees in Bankruptcy matters in both the Western and Eastern District of Michigan’s Federal Bankruptcy Courts.

Canibus Law

Canibus Law has enabled an entrepreneurial spirit of new business opportunities nationwide. Corcoran Austin PC represents many companies who have recently created a business and need legal advice about organizing their companies. They provide their clients with details of the Michigan Law and how to qualify for licenses, create a business plan to establish dispensaries, or a distributor, a grower, or partner with other existing companies to support this new venture.

Corporate Law

Corporate Law involves working with lawyers who have expertise in Corporate Law can advise businesses (which can include different entities such as partnerships, publicly and privately held companies, and business start-ups, among others) on their numerous legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. A corporate general practice involves handling a wide range of legal and business issues. Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Austin have been advising corporate clients on various matters for a combined 65 plus years. Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Austin also have a vast referral network of specialists if the matter requires additional expertise.

Divorce Law

Divorce Law in America is governed by the laws of the individual state in Divorce proceedings also include matters of spousal support, child custody, child support, distribution of property, and division of debt. assets and earnings accumulated during marriage are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Mr. Corcoran has been handling divorce matters for mostly Northwest Michigan residents since 1988. Mr. Austin has been handling divorce matterss throughout the State of Michigan since 1991.

Family Law

FAMILY LAW is the legal responsibilities between individuals who share a domestic connection. These cases usually involve parties who are related by blood or marriage. Family Law can affect those in more distant or casual relationships as well.

The vast majority of family law proceedings come about as a result of the termination of a marriage or romantic relationship. Family law attorneys help their clients file for separation or divorce, alimony, and child custody, visitation, and support. Spouses married a short time may seek an annulment, and special rights may exist between same-sex couples. The division of property at the end of a marriage is also a common issue in family law cases.
Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Austin have successfully handled Family Law matters in Circuit Courts throughout Michigan.

Mediation and Collaborative Law

Mediation Law is referred to as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process where the parties to a lawsuit meet with a neutral third-party mediator to settle their case without going to court. This procedure is an affordable way to resolve conflicts without going to court. Mr. Corcoran is an experienced State Certified Domestic Relations Mediator and Mr. Austin is an experienced certified Mediator for both General Civil Matters and Domestic Relations. Mr. Austin previously served as a mediator for American Settlement Centers and provided volunteer mediation services to the Wayne County Friend of the Court and the Wayne Mediation Center.

Litigation and Appeals
Litigation Law refers to the rules and practices involved in resolving disputes in the court system and/or arbitration. This term is often associated with tort cases, but litigation can come about in all kinds of cases, from contested divorces to eviction proceedings. Likewise, most people think of litigation as synonymous with trial work, but the litigation process begins long before the first witness is called to testify. Most litigated cases never reach the inside of a courtroom. Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Austin have a combined 65 plus years of litigation experience in all State and Federal Courts of this State.
Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation

Personal Injury and Workers Compensation are two different options for an employee who is at risk for work-related injuries and illness.

Workmans’ Compensation Employers in Michigan must carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance which provides wage replacement, medical, and rehabilitation benefits to employees who are injured or fall in because of their work, regardless of fault. Employees must give up the right to file a lawsuit against the employer and is limited to certain benefits. Corcoran Austin attorneys can review your rights and help you file for a workers’ compensation claim and represent your case to make sure you receive the benefits of this program
Personal Injury is different than a Workman’s Compensation case. With a personal injury claim, you are entitled to recover all of the damages, including. include lost earnings, lost earning capacity, medical bills, future medical expenses, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life (i.e., hedonic damages), among other things

Real Estate/Land Use/Construction law
Real Estate Law is managing the land (Real Estate) and the buildings on it. Real estate law governs who may own and use the land. This covers a wide range of different legal disciplines. First, real estate may be either residential or commercial. It can be owned by one person but used by another through rental arrangements. Land can be bought or sold, and due to its high value, Many local laws ensure real estate transactions are properly performed and recorded. Land may also pass between family members through estate planning or may be owned by more than one person
Land Use and Zoning Law is the regulation of the use and development of public and private real estate. Zoning is the most common form of land-use regulation, used by municipalities to control local property development. Other legal issues like land use include easements, trespassing, and eminent domain. Each plot of land must be used according to local zoning laws, and landowners may not damage the surrounding environment. State and local governments have rules concerning the purposes for which land may be used.
Construction Law is any legal issue related to the construction of a building or other structure. Legal issues related to construction activities can arise under federal, state, or local laws. Federal statutes, such as workplace safety regulations and employment laws, can impose requirements on worksites and hiring practices. Federal, state, and local governments may impose additional regulations on top of federal ones, which can range from safety and employment to environmental rules. City and county ordinances may impose additional restrictions on zoning and construction noise. Corcoran Austin prepares Construction Liens, Notices of Furnishing, Sworn Statements and Discharges for contractors and sub contractors. Mr. Austin has represented contractors, sub contractors and home owners in construction matters since 1991.
Construction Related Legal Disputes include workplace injuries and accidents, construction defects, contract issues, and problems with obtaining the proper planning or building permits.

Towing Law and Transportation related Business

Towing & Abandoned Vehicles: Mr. Austin handles various towing matters throughout the State of Michigan. He has had many towing companies as clients and has been active in the Michigan Towing Association, serving on its Board of Directors and Legislative Committee. He is very familiar with Michigan’s abandoned vehicle laws and the issues that have arisen from the implementation of those laws. Mr. Austin has also been actively involved in the issues of no-fault liability regarding towed vehicles, overweight laws as they relate to towing trucks, private property impounds, anti-dumping agreements, federal statutes regarding the regulation of consensual tows and MCS 90 endorsements.

Traffic, Truck CDL Overweight Citations

Traffic Citations and Violations for Truckers: Mr. Austin has successfully fought overweight axles, logbook, out of service, improper lane use, speeding, equipment defect, spilled load, registration, traffic signal, special permit, careless driving, and reckless driving violations throughout the state. He has also defended trucking companies regarding International Registration Plan (IRP), apportioned plates, and trailer plate issues.

Mr. Austin works hard to keep truckers on the road and informed of changes in the law that might affect CDLs. Many truckers are unaware that convictions of any two of the following violations within three years can lead to a suspension of CDL privileges for 60 days:
• Speeding over 15 mph
• Reckless driving
• Improper lane usage
• Following too closely
• Traffic control devise violation with a fatal accident
• Driving without CDL on person
• Driving without proper endorsement
• Railroad crossing
The driver does not have to be in a commercial vehicle for the violation to affect their CDL. Further,

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