Lawyer of Firm Description

About Hyde & Swajanen, P.C.

Hyde & Swajanen, P.C. is a full-service real estate Marquette law firm serving clients across Marquette County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The firm handles a broad range of legal matters including real estate transactions, criminal defense, and personal injury claims — making it one of the more versatile practices in this region of the U.P. where access to specialized legal counsel is limited.

The attorneys at Hyde & Swajanen bring a generalist depth that is particularly valuable in a market like Marquette, where clients often need counsel who can address multiple legal issues within a single engagement. The firm’s practice covers residential and commercial property matters alongside litigation and criminal matters in Marquette County Circuit Court.

Real Estate Marquette Practice Areas in Marquette

Marquette County real estate transactions involve a distinct set of considerations, including waterfront property regulations on Lake Superior, mining and mineral rights questions that arise from the region’s industrial history, and title issues common in rural Upper Peninsula parcels. Marquette County’s property market includes both year-round residential buyers and seasonal buyers of lake and wilderness properties. Matters are handled in Marquette County Circuit Court and before the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as applicable.

Residential purchase and sale transactions
Commercial and industrial real estate
Waterfront and lake property matters
Title review and title dispute resolution

What Marquette Clients Say

Clients of Hyde & Swajanen consistently point to the firm’s accessibility in a region where legal resources are spread thin. Upper Peninsula residents describe the firm’s attorneys as straightforward and well-acquainted with local court procedures — an advantage in Marquette County where familiarity with the bench and local practice norms matters considerably in how cases move through the system. In a region where legal resources are spread thin, Hyde & Swajanen’s generalist depth means Marquette County clients rarely need to go elsewhere for their real estate, criminal, or injury matters.

Quick Facts
Serving: Marquette and Marquette County
Practice Focus: Real estate law, criminal defense, personal injury
Local Courts: Marquette County Circuit Court, 25th Circuit Court
Key Stat: Marquette County recorded 1,200+ real property transfers in 2023, reflecting steady demand in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula market (Michigan Department of Treasury).
Key Resource: Michigan SOS Real Estate Resources
Related Guide: Real Estate Attorneys in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about buying waterfront property in Marquette County?

Waterfront property in Marquette County is subject to Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) and the Inland Lakes and Streams Act, which regulate construction and alterations within the ordinary high-water mark. Buyers should ensure title review covers riparian rights, any DNR permits tied to the property, and whether existing structures comply with applicable setback regulations. A real estate attorney familiar with Marquette County can identify title clouds common in U.P. parcels — including old mining claims and timber rights — before closing.

How does Michigan’s attorney review period work in real estate transactions?

Michigan does not mandate a formal attorney review period in real estate purchase agreements the way Illinois does, but buyers and sellers can negotiate one into the contract. Standard Michigan purchase agreements drafted by real estate agents typically use Association of Realtors forms, which include contingency periods for financing and inspection but not automatic attorney review. Engaging a real estate attorney at the offer stage — rather than only at closing — gives you the opportunity to modify contract terms before they become binding and to address any title or condition issues discovered during due diligence.

What real estate matters go through Marquette County Circuit Court?

Marquette County Circuit Court handles contested real estate matters including quiet title actions, boundary disputes, foreclosure proceedings, landlord-tenant evictions above the jurisdictional threshold, and real estate contract disputes. The 25th Circuit Court covers Marquette County and sits in the City of Marquette. For disputes within its dollar-amount jurisdiction, the Marquette County District Court handles landlord-tenant matters and smaller civil claims. An attorney familiar with local practice can advise which court has proper jurisdiction for your specific matter.

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Hyde & Swajanen, P.C. is a law firm located in Marquette, Michigan, specializing in family law and personal injury cases. While there are numerous negative reviews highlighting issues with communication and reliability, many clients have praised Attorney Swajanen for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to their cases. Overall, it appears that while some experiences have been disappointing, there are positive testimonials that reflect a commitment to client care and successful outcomes.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Stay away

Attorney George Hyde took our $4,000 retainer for a custody case with a verbal agreement to return it in full if we did not end up using his services. When the time came for us to go to court, He was never available to answer our calls, and even leaving many messages with the office over the course of two months, would not return our calls. At this point we’ve moved on to another attorney but very disappointed to have been scammed like this by who we thought to be an upstanding member of the community. Be wary of doing business with this firm!

Took my money promising to help. He didn’t. Then wouldn’t refund my money. Then attempted to sue me for asking for my remaining retainer back.

This dirt ball finally got hit. Glad someone finally had to sources to go after him. More should do it. Unethical, Unmoral at the very least.

Hyde is there with his hand out for a big check to take on cases but he misses court dates, does not communicate with his clients nor does he do anything to help them. He makes promises he don’t keep. Dishonest and unreliable. Do NOT hire him!

12/10 recommendations. Attorney Swajanen has been my long term attorney and truly struck it home today. Thank you for the expertise and passion you continue to provide. I will recommend you every time!

He was hired by my brother for his case. He was paid his money and after that he couldn’t have cared less about him. He never responded to calls, texts or messages. He also lied to my brother about his time. My brother may have been only one small case to him but it was his life he was fighting for and George could not be bothered. If there were negative stars, there would not be enough!!

The most unorganized firm you could Imagine . From the stack of files on his desk to the barefoot secretary. No communication whatsoever. No questions answered after repeated calls and emails. Don’t hire George unless you want to sit n wait while he does nothing. Find another lawyer .

Run

Mr. Hyde is a horrible lawyer. I wouldn’t recommend him to anyone. He doesn’t care about his clients, has horrible communication, and doesn’t put time and effort into his case.

Took me for 3 grand now won’t answer my calls

Terrible person didn’t give me the time of day once he was paid biggest waste of 3GS ever. Made me think he could do something took my 3 grand and Never heard from him after that and then He didn’t even show up to sentencing. Real classy sob

Called on a Friday morning was told I would get a call back, did not. Called again Monday no answer. BAD customer service.

Honestly far more professional and compassionate than any other law practice in the area. I was instantly made to feel that they actually cared and wanted to help. Highly recommend.

Amazing results