reviews for clear error (Michigan) · Go Syfert
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reviews for clear error in Michigan

994 Michigan opinions name it 2 courts 1998–2026 436 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Michigan courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (15)

CaseFollowedCited
In re Whitegreen
michctapp · 2014 · cited in 137 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2014–2026
2 sentences

2026“This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and ultimate determinations on the statutory grounds for termination.” In re White, 303 Mich App 701, 709 ; 846 NW2d 61 (2014).

2026“This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and ultimate determinations on the statutory grounds for termination.” In re White, 303 Mich App 701, 709 ; 846 NW2d 61 (2014).

10137
In Re Masongreen
mich · 2010 · cited in 54 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2025
2 sentences

2025To terminate parental rights, the trial court must initially find, by clear and convincing evidence, a statutory ground for termination, MCL 712A.19b(3), and this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and its ultimate determination that a statutory ground has been established, In re Mason, 486 Mich 142, 152 ; 782 NW2d 747 (2010).

2025To terminate parental rights, the trial court must initially find, by clear and convincing evidence, a statutory ground for termination, MCL 712A.19b(3), and this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and its ultimate determination that a statutory ground has been established, In re Mason, 486 Mich 142, 152 ; 782 NW2d 747 (2010).

554
People v. Trakhtenberggreen
mich · 2012 · cited in 158 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2026
2 sentences

2026“The question whether defense counsel performed ineffectively is a mixed question of law and fact; this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of constitutional law.” People v Trakhtenberg, 493 Mich 38, 47 ; 826 NW2d 136 (2012).

2026“The question whether defense counsel performed ineffectively is a mixed question of law and fact; this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of constitutional law.” People v Trakhtenberg, 493 Mich 38, 47 ; 826 NW2d 136 (2012).

4158
People v. Lanegreen
michctapp · 2014 · cited in 11 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2026
2 sentences

2019“Generally, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v Lane, 308 Mich App 38, 67-68 ; 862 NW2d 446 (2014).

2019“Generally, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v Lane, 308 Mich App 38, 67-68 ; 862 NW2d 446 (2014).

411
People v. Hardy; People v. Glenngreen
mich · 2013 · cited in 37 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2013–2025
2 sentences

2023Whether the facts, as found, are adequate to satisfy the scoring conditions prescribed by statute, i.e., the application of the facts to the law, is a question of statutory interpretation, which an appellate court reviews de novo. [People v Hardy, 494 Mich 430, 438 ; 835 NW2d 340 (2013) (footnotes omitted), superseded in part by statute as stated in People v Rodriguez, 327 Mich App 573 , 579 n 3; 935 NW2d 51 (2019).] “When reviewing an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v S

2022If the statute’s language is clear and unambiguous, we assume that the Legislature intended its plain meaning and we enforce the statute as written.’ ” Dumback, 330 Mich App at 637, quoting People v Hardy, 494 Mich 430, 439 ; 835 NW2d 340 (2013). -2- This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual determinations at sentencing and “review[s] de novo whether the factual determinations were sufficient to assess points under [an] OV.” People v Schrauben, 314 Mich App 181, 196 ; 886 NW2d 173 (2016); see also People v Bailey, 330 Mich App 41 , 60; 944 NW2d 370 (2019).

337
In Re BZgreen
michctapp · 2005 · cited in 34 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2025
2 sentences

2025“A finding of fact is clearly erroneous if the reviewing court has a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed, giving due regard to the trial court’s special opportunity to observe the witnesses.” In re BZ, 264 Mich App at 296-297 .

2024In re BZ, 264 Mich App 286, 295 ; 690 NW2d 505 (2004).

334
Thomas v. City of New Baltimoregreen
michctapp · 2003 · cited in 3 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2003–2005
23
In re Hudsongreen
michctapp · 2011 · cited in 78 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2026
2 sentences

2026A. STANDARD OF REVIEW “This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children’s best interests.” In re Hudson, 294 Mich App 261, 264 ; 817 NW2d 115 (2011).

2026A. STANDARD OF REVIEW “This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children’s best interests.” In re Hudson, 294 Mich App 261, 264 ; 817 NW2d 115 (2011).

178
In Re HRCgreen
michctapp · 2009 · cited in 31 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2019
2 sentences

2019In re White, 303 Mich App 701, 713 ; 846 NW2d 61 (2014). “ ‘A finding is clearly erroneous if, although there is evidence to support it, we are left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made.’ ” In re Schadler, 315 Mich App 406, 408 ; 890 NW2d 676 (2016), quoting In re HRC, 286 Mich App at 459 .

2018See In re HRC, 286 Mich App 444, 461 ; 781 NW2d 105 (1999) (stating that if this Court concludes that the trial court did not clearly err in finding one statutory ground for termination, this Court need not address the additional grounds for termination.) -3- This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s ultimate determination that termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child.

131
In Re Friedgreen
michctapp · 2005 · cited in 29 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2016–2024
2 sentences

2024This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s finding that “reasonable efforts were made to preserve and reunify the family.” In re Fried, 266 Mich App 535, 542-543 ; 702 NW2d 192 (2005).

2024This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s finding that “reasonable efforts were made to preserve and reunify the family.” In re Fried, 266 Mich App 535, 542-543 ; 702 NW2d 192 (2005).

129
In Re Millergreen
mich · 1989 · cited in 12 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2023
2 sentences

2023In re Miller, 433 Mich 331, 337 ; 445 NW2d 161 (1989).

2023In re Miller, 433 Mich 331, 337 ; 445 NW2d 161 (1989).

112
In Re Roodgreen
mich · 2009 · cited in 8 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2024
18
Guerrero v. Smithgreen
michctapp · 2008 · cited in 6 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2015–2025
16
Shambhu Patel v. Hemant Patelgreen
michctapp · 2018 · cited in 5 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2021–2025
15
Alan Custom Homes, Inc v. Krolgreen
michctapp · 2003 · cited in 3 Michigan opinions naming this issue, 2016–2020
13

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Michigan. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (65)

CaseCitedYears
In Re Jones green
michctapp · 2009
2 sentences

2026In re Jones, 286 Mich App 126, 129 ; 777 NW2d 728 (2009).

2026In re Jones, 286 Mich App 126, 129 ; 777 NW2d 728 (2009).

552017–2026
In re Olive/Metts Minors green
michctapp · 2012
2 sentences

2024This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s finding “that a ground for termination has been proven by clear and convincing evidence . . . .” In re Olive/Metts Minors, 297 Mich App 35, 40 ; 823 NW2d 144 (2012) (quotation marks and citations omitted).

2024This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s finding “that a ground for termination has been proven by clear and convincing evidence . . . .” In re Olive/Metts Minors, 297 Mich App 35, 40 ; 823 NW2d 144 (2012) (quotation marks and citations omitted).

392015–2026
Hodge v. Parks green
michctapp · 2014
2 sentences

2026A. STANDARD OF REVIEW “In a divorce action, this Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s factual findings on the division of marital property and whether a particular asset qualifies as marital or separate property.” Hodge v Parks, 303 Mich App 552, 554 ; 844 NW2d 189 (2014).

2026A. STANDARD OF REVIEW “In a divorce action, this Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s factual findings on the division of marital property and whether a particular asset qualifies as marital or separate property.” Hodge v Parks, 303 Mich App 552, 554 ; 844 NW2d 189 (2014).

282015–2026
People of Michigan v. Anthony Ray McFarlane Jr green
michctapp · 2018
2 sentences

2026“This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s findings in support of particular score under the sentencing guidelines but reviews de novo whether the trial court properly interpreted and applied the sentencing guidelines to the findings.” People v McFarlane, 325 Mich App 507, 531-532 ; 926 NW2d 339 (2018).

2026“This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s findings in support of particular score under the sentencing guidelines but reviews de novo whether the trial court properly interpreted and applied the sentencing guidelines to the findings.” People v McFarlane, 325 Mich App 507, 531-532 ; 926 NW2d 339 (2018).

282019–2026
Nixon v. FARM BUREAU GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF MICHIGAN green
mich · 2010
2 sentences

2018In re HRC, 286 Mich App 444, 459 ; 781 NW2d 105 (2009).

2018See In re HRC, 286 Mich App 444, 461 ; 781 NW2d 105 (1999) (stating that if this Court concludes that the trial court did not clearly err in finding one statutory ground for termination, this Court need not address the additional grounds for termination.) -3- This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s ultimate determination that termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child.

282015–2018
People v. LeBlanc green
mich · 2002
2 sentences

2017“A defendant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim ‘is a mixed question of fact and constitutional law.’ When reviewing an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v Shaw, 315 Mich App 668, 671-672 ; 892 NW2d 15 (2016), quoting People v LeBlanc, 465 Mich 575, 579 ; 640 NW2d 246 (2002).

2017“A defendant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim ‘is a mixed question of fact and constitutional law.’ When reviewing an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v Shaw, 315 Mich App 668, 671-672 ; 892 NW2d 15 (2016), quoting People v LeBlanc, 465 Mich 575, 579 ; 640 NW2d 246 (2002).

252012–2025
In Re Trejo Minors red
mich · 2000
2 sentences

2017STANDARDS OF REVIEW This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and ultimate determinations on the statutory grounds for termination, In re Mason, 486 Mich 142, 152 ; 782 NW2d 747 (2010), as well as the trial court’s best-interest determination, In re Trejo Minors, 462 Mich 341, 356-357 ; 612 NW2d 407 (2000).

2017STANDARDS OF REVIEW This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and ultimate determinations on the statutory grounds for termination, In re Mason, 486 Mich 142, 152 ; 782 NW2d 747 (2010), as well as the trial court’s best-interest determination, In re Trejo Minors, 462 Mich 341, 356-357 ; 612 NW2d 407 (2000).

212015–2023
People v. Shaw green
michctapp · 2016
2 sentences

2026Generally, “[w]hen reviewing an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v Shaw, 315 Mich App 668, 671-672 ; 892 NW2d 15 (2016).

2026Generally, “[w]hen reviewing an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of law.” People v Shaw, 315 Mich App 668, 671-672 ; 892 NW2d 15 (2016).

202017–2026
In re Moss green
michctapp · 2013
2 sentences

2020MCL 712A.19b(3) and (5); MCR 3.977(H)(3); In re Beck, 488 Mich 6, 10-11 ; 793 NW2d 562 (2010); In re Moss, 301 Mich App 76, 90 ; 836 NW2d 182 (2013); In re Ellis, 294 Mich App 30, 32 ; 817 NW2d 111 (2011).5 “This Court reviews for clear error the trial court's ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children's best interests.” In re Hudson, 294 Mich App 261, 264 ; 817 NW2d 115 (2011); see also MCR 3.977(K).

2020MCL 712A.19b(3) and (5); MCR 3.977(H)(3); In re Beck, 488 Mich 6, 10-11 ; 793 NW2d 562 (2010); In re Moss, 301 Mich App 76, 90 ; 836 NW2d 182 (2013); In re Ellis, 294 Mich App 30, 32 ; 817 NW2d 111 (2011).5 “This Court reviews for clear error the trial court's ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children's best interests.” In re Hudson, 294 Mich App 261, 264 ; 817 NW2d 115 (2011); see also MCR 3.977(K).

192017–2024
In Re JK green
mich · 2003
2 sentences

2024In re JK, 468 Mich 202, 209 ; 661 NW2d 216 (2003).

2024In re JK, 468 Mich 202, 209 ; 661 NW2d 216 (2003).

162016–2024
In re Ellis green
michctapp · 2011
2 sentences

2020MCL 712A.19b(3) and (5); MCR 3.977(H)(3); In re Beck, 488 Mich 6, 10-11 ; 793 NW2d 562 (2010); In re Moss, 301 Mich App 76, 90 ; 836 NW2d 182 (2013); In re Ellis, 294 Mich App 30, 32 ; 817 NW2d 111 (2011).5 “This Court reviews for clear error the trial court's ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children's best interests.” In re Hudson, 294 Mich App 261, 264 ; 817 NW2d 115 (2011); see also MCR 3.977(K).

2018MCL 712A.19b(3) and (5); In re Beck, 488 Mich 6, 10-11 ; 793 NW2d 562 (2010); In re Moss, 301 Mich App 76, 90 ; 836 NW2d 182 (2013); In re Ellis, 294 Mich App 30, 32 ; 817 NW2d 111 (2011).2 “This Court reviews for clear error the trial court's ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established . . . .” In re Hudson, 294 Mich App 261, 264 ; 817 NW2d 115 (2011); see also MCR 3.977(K).

152015–2025
People v. Dillon green
michctapp · 2012
2 sentences

2024“A finding is clearly erroneous if it leaves this Court with a definite and firm conviction that the trial court made a mistake.” People v Dillon, 296 Mich App 506, 508 ; 822 NW2d 611 (2012).

2024“A finding is clearly erroneous if it leaves this Court with a definite and firm conviction that the trial court made a mistake.” People v Dillon, 296 Mich App 506, 508 ; 822 NW2d 611 (2012).

152019–2024
People v. Schrauben green
michctapp · 2016
2 sentences

2022If the statute’s language is clear and unambiguous, we assume that the Legislature intended its plain meaning and we enforce the statute as written.’ ” Dumback, 330 Mich App at 637, quoting People v Hardy, 494 Mich 430, 439 ; 835 NW2d 340 (2013). -2- This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual determinations at sentencing and “review[s] de novo whether the factual determinations were sufficient to assess points under [an] OV.” People v Schrauben, 314 Mich App 181, 196 ; 886 NW2d 173 (2016); see also People v Bailey, 330 Mich App 41 , 60; 944 NW2d 370 (2019).

2022If the statute’s language is clear and unambiguous, we assume that the Legislature intended its plain meaning and we enforce the statute as written.’ ” Dumback, 330 Mich App at 637, quoting People v Hardy, 494 Mich 430, 439 ; 835 NW2d 340 (2013). -2- This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual determinations at sentencing and “review[s] de novo whether the factual determinations were sufficient to assess points under [an] OV.” People v Schrauben, 314 Mich App 181, 196 ; 886 NW2d 173 (2016); see also People v Bailey, 330 Mich App 41 , 60; 944 NW2d 370 (2019).

142017–2022
In re Gonzales/Martinez green
michctapp · 2015
2 sentences

2025“This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s factual findings following a termination hearing.” In re Gonzales/Martinez, 310 Mich App 426, 430 ; 871 NW2d 868 (2015).

2025“This Court reviews for clear error a trial court’s factual findings following a termination hearing.” In re Gonzales/Martinez, 310 Mich App 426, 430 ; 871 NW2d 868 (2015).

132016–2025
Woodington v. Shokoohi green
michctapp · 2010
2 sentences

2024Cunningham v Cunningham, 289 Mich App 195, 200 ; 795 NW2d 826 (2010); Woodington v Shokoohi, 288 Mich App 352, 357 ; 792 NW2d 63 (2010).

2024Cunningham v Cunningham, 289 Mich App 195, 200 ; 795 NW2d 826 (2010); Woodington v Shokoohi, 288 Mich App 352, 357 ; 792 NW2d 63 (2010).

132014–2024
In re Schadler green
michctapp · 2016
2 sentences

2023“This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children’s best interests.” In re Schadler, 315 Mich App 406, 408 ; 890 NW2d 676 (2016) (citation omitted).

2023“This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s ruling that a statutory ground for termination has been established and its ruling that termination is in the children’s best interests.” In re Schadler, 315 Mich App 406, 408 ; 890 NW2d 676 (2016) (citation omitted).

132018–2023
People v. Armstrong green
mich · 2011
2 sentences

2025A. STANDARDS OF REVIEW “The question whether defense counsel performed ineffectively is a mixed question of law and fact; this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of constitutional law.” People v Trakhtenberg, 493 Mich 38, 47 ; 826 NW2d 136 (2012). “[A] trial court’s factual findings in that regard are reviewed for clear error and cannot be disturbed unless ‘the reviewing court is left with a definite and firm conviction that the trial court made a mistake.’ ” People v Douglas, 496 Mich 557, 592 ; 852 NW2d 587 (2014), quoting People v

2025A. STANDARDS OF REVIEW “The question whether defense counsel performed ineffectively is a mixed question of law and fact; this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of constitutional law.” People v Trakhtenberg, 493 Mich 38, 47 ; 826 NW2d 136 (2012). “[A] trial court’s factual findings in that regard are reviewed for clear error and cannot be disturbed unless ‘the reviewing court is left with a definite and firm conviction that the trial court made a mistake.’ ” People v Douglas, 496 Mich 557, 592 ; 852 NW2d 587 (2014), quoting People v

122012–2025
People of Michigan v. Dawn Marie Dixon-Bey green
michctapp · 2017
2 sentences

2020Generally, when examining a defendant’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, “this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of constitutional law.” People v Dixon-Bey, 321 Mich App 490, 515 ; 909 NW2d 458 (2017).

2020Generally, when examining a defendant’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, “this Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s findings of fact and reviews de novo questions of constitutional law.” People v Dixon-Bey, 321 Mich App 490, 515 ; 909 NW2d 458 (2017).

122018–2020
People v. Babcock green
mich · 2003
2 sentences

2015People v Babcock, 469 Mich 247, 264 ; 666 NW2d 231 (2003).

2015People v Babcock, 469 Mich 247, 264 ; 666 NW2d 231 (2003).

112007–2015
In re Keillor green
michctapp · 2018
2 sentences

2026“This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and ultimate determinations on the statutory grounds for termination.” In re Keillor, 325 Mich App 80, 85 ; 923 NW2d 617 (2018) (quotation marks and citation omitted).

2026“This Court reviews for clear error the trial court’s factual findings and ultimate determinations on the statutory grounds for termination.” In re Keillor, 325 Mich App 80, 85 ; 923 NW2d 617 (2018) (quotation marks and citation omitted).

102022–2026
People v. Johnson green
michctapp · 2011
92014–2025
People v. Ginther green
mich · 1973
82014–2026
in Re R Smith Minor green
michctapp · 2018
72020–2026
People v. Payne green
michctapp · 2009
72019–2026
Cunningham v. Cunningham green
michctapp · 2010
72014–2026
Sparks v. Sparks green
mich · 1992
72014–2025
In Re Williams green
michctapp · 2009
72018–2025
Kitchen v. Kitchen green
mich · 2002
72015–2024
People v. Hoag green
mich · 1999
72018–2021
People v. Dendel green
mich · 2008
62024–2026
People v. DENDEL neutral
mich · 2008
62024–2026
People v. Solloway green
michctapp · 2016
62018–2025
People of Michigan v. John Edward Barritt green
michctapp · 2018
62020–2024
Blackhawk Development Corp. v. Village of Dexter green
mich · 2005
62007–2020
In re VanDalen green
michctapp · 2011
52018–2026
People v. Russell green
mich · 2004
42011–2026
People v. Blevins green
michctapp · 2016
42021–2025
People v. Douglas green
mich · 2014
42022–2025
People of Michigan v. Kendrick Scott green
mich · 2018
42020–2024
People v. Fosnaugh green
michctapp · 2002
42021–2024

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.19b (436) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.227b (130) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.19a (115) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 769.12 (100) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.2 (86) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.224f (65) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.520b (62) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.316 (60) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.529 (58) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.520c (52) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 769.34 (50) MI § Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.18f (45)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

MI 994 (1998–2026) MD 14 (2014–2024) MN 13 (2006–2024) MT 4 (2012–2026) KS 3 (2004–2021) VT 2 (2008–2018) ME 2 (1982–2008) KY 2 (2023–2024)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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