By David R. Dawson | Published March 30, 2026 | Posted in Divorce | Tagged Tags: divorce, equitable distribution, marital property |
When Separate Property Becomes Marital Property in Michigan
One of the major concerns of divorcing couples is what property they can keep and what they’ll need to give up. Michigan follows an equitable distribution system, meaning courts aim to divide marital property fairly though not always equally. Marital property is subject to division while separate property is protected. But the line between separate Read More
Read MoreWhat Is Rehabilitative Alimony and How Is it Determined?
Rehabilitative alimony is a form of spousal support awarded after a divorce in Michigan. Its purpose is to help a lower-earning or financially dependent spouse acquire the education, training or work experience necessary to become self-supporting. Rehabilitative alimony is playing a more prominent role in Michigan divorces as more spouses who paused their careers during Read More
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Think Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets in a Divorce
In a Michigan divorce, the process of equitable distribution is used to ensure that marital assets and liabilities are divided fairly between spouses. However, problems can arise when one spouse attempts to secure a better financial settlement by hiding assets that should rightfully be included in the division. These actions undermine the process and can Read More
Read MoreWhy Divorce Mediation Is Often Preferable to Litigation
In a contested divorce, battles over child custody, spousal support, property division and related issues can drag on for inordinate lengths of time, adding costs and stress. Fortunately, there are alternatives available. Mediation offers a much more amicable and pragmatic process, empowering spouses to resolve their divorce issues with less conflict and greater mutual satisfaction. Read More
Read MoreBenefits of Using Mediation to Resolve Disputes in a Divorce
Mediation has become an increasingly popular method for resolving divorce issues in Michigan, offering couples a practical and often more harmonious alternative to traditional litigation. Unlike courtroom battles, which can be adversarial and stressful, mediation focuses on cooperation, communication and mutually agreeable outcomes. Its multiple benefits make it a compelling option for divorcing spouses. Michigan Read More
Read MoreHow Dissipation of Marital Assets Can Affect Equitable Distribution
In Michigan, dissipation of marital assets can play a significant role in both the division of property during a divorce. Dissipation is a spouse’s use of marital assets for purposes unrelated to the marriage, often involving intentional or wasteful depletion of resources. When this occurs, a court can take measures to compensate the other spouse Read More
Read MoreCosts Not Covered by Child Support, and How to Deal With Them
Child support payments are designed to cover the basic necessities for children, such as food, housing, and clothing. However, there are many other costs associated with raising a child, potentially creating financial challenges. Parents going through divorce need to understand these costs and how to provide for managing them. The following are significant categories of Read More
Read MoreHow Courts Consider Children’s Preferences in Custody Decisions
When parents divorce in Michigan, family courts are tasked with determining child custody and parenting time arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child. In some cases, they may consider the child’s own preference about which parent they wish to live with. However, courts do not simply defer to a child’s wishes; rather, the Read More
Read MoreHow a Friend of the Court Can Help Resolve Parenting Disputes
If you’re a parent going through a divorce in Michigan, you’ll likely come into contact with the Friend of the Court (FOC). Understanding how the FOC works can make this difficult process much less stressful and help you advocate for your child’s best interests. The Friend of the Court is part of the family court Read More
Read MoreTips for Preparing Efficiently for Divorce
Divorce can be one of the most stressful and emotionally exhausting experiences a person goes through. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the complexities and upheaval that come with ending a marriage, but there are practical steps you can take to make the process more manageable. While it may never be easy, thoughtful preparation can Read More
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