Michigan Law and Domestic Partnerships
Even though common law marriage ended in Michigan on January 1, 1957 and the state refuses to recognize same sex marriages, many individuals (regardless of gender) choose to live together, acquire property jointly and have families. If that relationship breaks up, the same protections available to married couples in a divorce situation are unavailable for domestic partners: court-ordered and property division (assets and liabilities). However, if the parties enter into a written contract known as a living together or cohabitation agreement, court enforcement of such an agreement is available as long as it is based on sufficient consideration.
DAWN’s family law and divorce attorneys are here to help you understand domestic partnerships in Michigan.
