Michigan just isn’t a neighborhood property state. As a substitute, it follows the precept of equitable distribution. Which means marital property is topic to honest division upon divorce, separation, or dying, moderately than automated 50/50 cut up. For instance, a pair divorcing in Michigan would have their property and money owed assessed by the courtroom, which goals for a good distribution based mostly on elements like every partner’s contribution to the marital property, period of the wedding, and incomes potential.
The equitable distribution system presents flexibility in addressing the distinctive circumstances of every marriage. In contrast to neighborhood property states the place possession is often divided equally no matter particular person contributions, Michigan courts take into account a broader vary of things to attain a simply end result. This may be significantly vital in conditions involving vital disparities in revenue, inheritance, or premarital property. Traditionally, Michigan, like many common-law states, has employed this method to higher mirror the complexity of contemporary marriages.
