Breach of fiduciary duty is a cause of action or claim in civil litigation (lawsuits) that provides the legal basis for a person or entity to recover its damages/losses when there is a special relationship based on trust and confidence (attorney and client or trustee and beneficiaries) and the party who owes the fiduciary duty breaches its duty of loyalty (conflict of interest) or duty of care (informed judgment in decision-making).
In Michigan, a breach of fiduciary duty occurs when an individual or entity, who is obligated to act in the best interest of another party due to a special trust relationship, fails to do so. This breach can involve a conflict of interest or a failure to make informed decisions in the interest of the party to whom the duty is owed. Common relationships involving fiduciary duties include those between attorneys and clients, trustees and beneficiaries, corporate directors and shareholders, and partners in a partnership. When a fiduciary breaches their duty, the affected party may file a civil lawsuit to recover damages resulting from the breach. Michigan courts will evaluate whether the fiduciary acted with the required level of care and loyalty. If a breach is found, the court may order monetary compensation for losses or, in some cases, other equitable remedies such as restitution or constructive trust.