Main difference is both parties are on the deed if married, while unmarried couples need additional legal paperwork to protect both interests. Talk to a local real estate attorney about the right way to structure ownership and get everything in writing before buying together.
Perhaps the most common way for unmarried couples to take title to real property is as "tenants in common." Unlike a joint tenancy, a tenant in common has no automatic right to inherit the property when the other partner dies.
Cohabitation agreements are enforceable in Michigan. Like prenuptial agreements, it is a “best practice” for each signatory to have the agreement reviewed by an attorney.
Perhaps the most common way for unmarried couples to take title to real property is as "tenants in common." Unlike a joint tenancy, a tenant in common has no automatic right to inherit the property when the other partner dies.
Sign A Cohabitation Property Agreement Cohabitation agreements are contractual pacts that allow unmarried couples who live together to make clear who owns what and how joint assets will be allocated in a breakup. They can also be used to specify what financial aspects of living together each partner is responsible for.
As long as you and your ex can agree on how to divide up your assets, there is no need to involve lawyers or the court system. Even if children are involved, in most states you have the opportunity to separate in private, ing to whatever arrangements the two of you agree on.
Cohabitation Under Michigan Law Unfortunately, cohabiting is not the same as being legally married. In most circumstances, it does not extend legal rights to either party in the event of a separation. Until recently, a 1931 Michigan law made it illegal for unwed partners to live together.
Most property you or your spouse got during your marriage is marital property. If there is a title or deed, it does not matter whose name is on it. It is still marital property unless it was a gift or inheritance. If something is marital property, it is owned by both of you.
Michigan is one of many equitable distribution states. If a couple separates, Michigan divorce courts consider everything acquired during marriage marital property. Marital property belongs to both spouses, and courts divide it fairly, but not always 50/50.