Michigan § 213.261 - Condemnation; service of process on unknown claimants.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 213.261 — Condemnation; service of process on unknown claimants., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 213.261. Condemnation; service of process on unknown claimants.

Sec. 1.

If there be any person interested in any land that is now or may hereafter be subject to any condemnation proceedings, whose name appears in the records of any public office as having at any time claimed any right, title, interest or estate in the subject matter of such proceedings, or any portion thereof, or any lien or charge thereon, without having conveyed or released the same or who might at any time under the provisions or legal effect of any instrument of record, claim or be entitled to claim any benefits thereunder, and it is not known whether such person is living or dead, or where he may reside, if living, or whether the title, interest, claim, lien or possible right has been by him assigned to any person or persons, or if dead, whether he has personal representatives or heirs living, or where they or some of them may reside, or whether such title, interest, claim, lien or possible right has been disposed of by will, it shall be lawful to make such person, and everyone claiming under him, defendants in such suit or proceeding, by naming such person and adding the words,—"or his unknown heirs, devisees, legatees and assigns", and he or they shall be served by process or notice, as required by law to be served in condemnation proceedings, by publication or otherwise, as provided in sections 12371 to 12378 inclusive, and sections 12449 to 12452 inclusive, as amended, of the Compiled Laws of the state of Michigan of 1915, the same being the several sections providing for substituted service on unknown, concealed or non-resident defendants. Upon such publication as hereinbefore provided, the said owner or claimant so named and described and/or his unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, and assigns, and the land in said notice described, shall thereby be subjected to the jurisdiction of the court, the commission or the commissioners, as the case may be.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 213.261

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 213.261 cover?

Section 213.261 ("Condemnation; service of process on unknown claimants.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 213.261?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 213.261" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 213.261 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.