2.13Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem

“[A]ctions in personam differ from actions in rem in that actions or proceedings in personam are directed against a specific person, and seek the recovery of a personal judgment, while actions or proceedings in rem are directed against the thing or property itself, the object of which is to subject it directly to the power of the state, to establish the status or condition thereof, or determine its disposition, and procure a judgment which shall be binding and conclusive against the world. The distinguishing characteristics of an action in rem [are] its local rather than transitory nature, and its power to adjudicate the rights of all persons in the thing.” Detroit v 19675 Hasse, 258 Mich App 438, 448 (2003), quoting 1A CJS, Actions, § 69, pp 463-464.

In rem— “Involving or determining the status of a thing, and therefore the rights of persons generally with respect to that thing.” Black’s Law Dictionary (8th ed).

Quasi in rem— “Involving or determining the rights of a person having an interest in property located within the court’s jurisdiction.” Black’s Law Dictionary (8th ed).

The following list of statutes provides authority for determining the appropriate jurisdiction of the piece of property in question:

•MCL 600.751 — Land in Michigan.

•MCL 600.755 — Chattels (movable or transferable property) in Michigan.

•MCL 600.761 — Documents in Michigan.

•MCL 600.765 — Corporate stock of Michigan corporations and other stock with a specified relationship to Michigan.

•MCL 600.771 — Obligations owed by persons subject to the jurisdiction of Michigan courts.