Author Archive
The status of the Church of Our Savior trial
Many of you have asked how the trial in Church of Our Savior v. Jacksonville Beach, Florida ended. The Court has taken the matter under advisement and we are waiting on a decision. By way of background, Church of Our Savior, a small Anglican congregation […]
Read MoreThe latest news on the Church of Our Savior case
As reported by Action News 38, here, http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/church-attorney-jacksonville-beach-changed-religio/nhN29/ Church attorney: Jacksonville Beach changed Religious Land Use Act on purpose before trial By Amanda Warford JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville Beach will head to federal court Wednesday to fight a lawsuit filed by […]
Read MoreRLUIPA, Land Use and the Hobby Lobby decision
It is always a significant event in the legal community when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) makes a ruling on a case. Lawyers all across the country pack into the courthouse or watch online as the opinions are handed down. Often, the […]
Read MoreThe Next Religious Land Use and Zoning Trial – Church of our Savior v. Jacksonville Beach, Florida
The federal court in Jacksonville, Florida has denied the City of Jacksonville Beach’s Motion to Dismiss the Church of Our Savior’s Complaint against the City. In an opinion issued on July 18, the Honorable Judge Timothy J. Corrigan found that the Church had pleaded sufficient […]
Read MoreThe Ownership of Church Property
Denominational Trust Clauses and Civil Litigation Within the past decade, there has been a surge of litigation concerning the ownership of property as it relates to a local church. Local congregations are faced with the unfortunate choice of leaving a denomination and dispensing with the […]
Read MoreAttorneys for Land Use Website Examines Religious Land Use Law
Dalton & Tomich, PLC launches new site as legal resource addressing land use and zoning for religious and legal communities Contact: Don Tanner or Maggie Sisco, 248-626-0006 DETROIT, May 16, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ — Dalton & Tomich PLC, today unveiled a new website which examines […]
Read MoreChurch of our Savior vs. Jacksonville Beach, Florida – our latest Religious Land Use case
On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 we will be arguing a Motion for Preliminary Injunction and opposing a Motion to Dismiss in a landmark religious land use case in the United States District Court, Middle District, Jacksonville, Florida. The Church of Our Savior, located in Jacksonville […]
Read MoreExplaining the litigation process – what to expect when filing a land use lawsuit in Federal Court
Getting involved in a lawsuit is a time consuming, frustrating and often confusing process. The court system is not viewed as being “user friendly,” and the terminology, forms and what seem to be “picky” rules are often viewed as traps rather than a means of […]
Read MoreImmunity issues with RLUIPA and other Federal Constitutional claims
A recent decision in Muslim Community Association v. Pittsfield, Township, Case No. 12-10893 (May 22, 2013) (US DC ED SD Mich) (Duggan, J.) addresses the interesting issue of absolute legislative and qualified immunity of elected officials in the context of religious land use case. By […]
Read MoreFederal Bar Webinar on Religious Land Use and Zoning (RLUIPA)
Interested in learing more about religious land use and zoning? Dan Dalton will be presenting a webinar for the Federal Bar Association on the topic. Click here to register and learn more: http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/v?e=2E2CE9&c=39A70&l=2093167&email=JuzqispEhFg0xCa5R4MLiXeq%2BwoAh5FONyIeD9VsXLU%3D&relid=C6EC15A
Read MoreAbout Us
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is the national leader in successfully helping churches, other religious institutions and their insurers defend their rights in land use and zoning matters under RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. We have helped clients win cases against municipalities and other local government bodies from coast to coast, with experience serving both as general counsel and special litigation counsel.
Harry HoffSenior Pastor, Hope Rising Community Church, Verona, PA
In 2015, Hope Rising Community Church experienced extreme opposition, the kind that would force it to close its doors and leave behind the families and youth it was so passionate about reaching. As the lead pastor I felt helpless, inferior and as if I had no […]
Read MoreKen KalbachElder, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Lenox, GA
Dalton & Tomich’s assistance in our RLUIPA matter has paved the way for our church to continue serving the community and for new churches in the area to thrive in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your stand for religious […]
Read MoreRev. Thomas OuweleenLead Pastor, The Urban Church, Warren, MI
The Urban Church will be forever grateful to Dalton & Tomich plc for navigating it through a difficult land use issue. Let them give you honest and caring advice because that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Read MoreKimberly KebleSenior Claims Adjuster, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Dalton & Tomich, PLC defended a complicated case at a church we insure. Not only is the firm professional, they understand how church business runs and work well within church leadership.
Read MoreRev. Demetrius BookerSenior Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church of God, Redford, MI
Dalton & Tomich, PLC helped us immensely in the areas of litigation and negotiation! Their professionalism and understanding of church policy helped our church be victorious in a modern day religious land use battle. RLUIPA Religious Land Use Case: Lighthouse Community Church of God
Read MoreMitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
Dalton & Tomich, PLC serves as General Counsel for the 144 churches within the Church of God in Michigan. The firm provides the legal expertise we need in dealing with the issues that arise during the course of fulfilling our ministry.
Read MoreTim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
I met Dan Dalton during a dark time for our church. He was recommended as the leading RLUIPA attorney in the nation. He demonstrated wisdom, expertise, a gentle nature, a calming inter-relational skill, genuineness, and a humble demeanor, while at the same time, being sharp, […]
Read MoreRonnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Mr. Dalton’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. His personal interest in helping our church went “above and beyond” just the call of duty. His understanding of both legal and spiritual matters seems to uniquely […]
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