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Do I have to share my property with my husband in Michigan?

Do I have to share my property with my husband in Michigan?

Q: How do you keep assets separate in a marriage?

To keep assets separate in a marriage, maintain clear ownership of property acquired before marriage and avoid mixing it with marital assets. Keep separate bank accounts and document any gifts or inheritances. If you want to ensure certain assets remain separate, consider a prenuptial agreement.

Q: Can you keep assets separate in marriage?

Yes, you can keep assets separate in marriage. In Michigan, property owned before marriage is separate property. To maintain this status, avoid commingling separate assets with marital assets. Clearly document ownership and consider legal agreements if needed.

Q: How long do you have to be married to get half of everything in Michigan?

In Michigan, there is no specific duration of marriage required to claim half of marital property. Any property acquired during the marriage is typically considered marital property, which is subject to division upon divorce, regardless of the length of the marriage.

Full question:

I got married a month ago and I live in Michigan with my husband. Prior to my marriage, I had earned a considerable amount of money and I also own few properties in Michigan. Now that I am married, do I have to share my property with my husband or will it be treated as my personal property as it was when I was unmarried?

Category: Marriage
Subcategory: Marital Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Michigan

Answer:

In Michigan, property owned by a spouse before marriage is considered separate property. Property acquired during marriage is treated as marital property, regardless of whose name is on the title or who earned it. According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 557.21, if a woman acquires property before or after marriage through means such as gifts or inheritance, that property remains hers. She can manage it just like she could if she were unmarried, and it won't be liable for her husband's debts.

However, separate property can become marital property if it is mixed with marital assets. In your case, all property and money you owned before marriage will be considered your separate property and does not need to be shared unless you decide to do so.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can married couples have separate assets?

Yes, married couples can have separate assets. In Michigan, property owned by one spouse before marriage is considered separate property. This means that any assets you had before getting married remain yours alone, unless you choose to share them. However, any property acquired during the marriage is generally treated as marital property.