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 MoreWho Gets the Family Home in a Divorce?
A Michigan divorce often involves equitable distribution of property, meaning marital assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally between spouses. One of the most complex assets to handle is the family home, which can involve significant emotional and practical concerns. Who gets a home that is deemed marital property depends on several factors, such Read More
Read More10 Common Misconceptions About Divorce in Michigan
Most people understand the basic concept of divorce as a legal dissolution of a marriage. There is certainly no shortage of news about high-profile divorces and their vivid details. But the average person, in Michigan as elsewhere, may still harbor certain misconceptions about the divorce process. If you’re contemplating the end of your marriage, it’s Read More
Read MoreWhen Can Inherited or Gifted Property Be Divided in a Michigan Divorce?
One of the most potentially contentious issues in a divorce is the division of property. Michigan, like many other states, typically follows the principle of equitable distribution, which treats the property that either spouse acquires during the marriage as being jointly owned. A notable exception is property that was individually inherited or gifted. However, this Read More
Read MoreDividing a Professional Practice as an Asset in Divorce
When a married couple divorces, dividing the assets can be difficult and contentious. Property division can be further complicated when one spouse owns a business, especially if it is a type of professional practice. During a divorce, the family court judge is required to divide all marital property in a way that is fair, just Read More
Read MoreAlternatives to Selling the Marital Home
During a divorce where property is being divided, certain assets may be challenging for the spouses to parcel out. This is particularly true for the marital home. In addition to having sentimental value and being a nurturing place for children, the family home is often a couple’s largest single asset. Although Michigan law includes the Read More
Read MoreWhen Can Separately Owned Assets Be Part of Equitable Distribution?
In many divorce cases, one of the major issues is how assets will be divided between the spouses — a process known as equitable distribution. There are two types of property to be considered in this regard: separate and marital. Separate property is any asset that one spouse owned prior to the marriage or acquired Read More
Read MoreWhat Happens to Your Inheritance When You Divorce?
During the course of your marriage, you may have suffered the loss of a parent or other family member and received an inheritance. Under Michigan law, an inheritance is normally considered the individual property of the spouse whose relative died. This is an exception to the general rule that any asset acquired by either spouse Read More
Read MoreHow Divorce Can Affect Michigan Estate Planning
When a marriage doesn’t last until “death do us part,” the spouse’s estate plans will likely need updating. Property division, alimony and child support orders during a divorce can leave each spouse with a substantially different financial position than existed during the marriage. A divorcing person may also have a change of heart about who Read More
Read MoreFinding Hidden Assets in a Michigan Divorce
It is crucial to obtain full disclosure of your spouse’s assets if you hope for a fair court order regarding alimony and property division during a divorce. Though Michigan law requires both spouses to reveal all of their assets and liabilities, some people still try to skirt the law in the hope that it will Read More
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