Yes, it is possible for a boyfriend and girlfriend to create a contract. This contract could cover various aspects of their relationship, such as financial agreements, living arrangements, division of responsibilities, and expectations from each other.
In instances of divorce after 10 years of marriage in Michigan, an ex-spouse has the right to claim up to half of the other's workers' compensation benefits, Social Security benefits, and military pension benefits.
In Michigan, marital property laws and many other rights married couples enjoy do not extend to unmarried couples. Even couples in very long-term and committed relationships do not have the same legal rights as married couples.
Michigan does not recognize common-law marriage, having abolished it in 1957. No matter how long you've been in a relationship with your partner, you do not have the same legal rights regarding property and asset division as you would if you were married.
Although Michigan did abolish the notion of common law marriages in 1957, the state will still recognize certain common law unions. Any couple that was considered common law prior to 1957 is still viewed as such in the eyes of the law and common law rules will apply if the couple decided to break up.
Average Dating Duration: In the United States, couples often date for about 2 to 5 years before getting engaged and married.
Michigan: For an extended period of time, Michigan recognized common law marriages. But common law marriage was abolished in Michigan in by statute in 1957. Since then, a couple must obtain a license to marry in Michigan and also possess a wedding certificate to be considered officially wed.
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.
Prenuptial agreements in Michigan remain a valid and useful means of delineating property and support rights upon divorce in most cases. But, as noted, life can be unfair. Parties to a prenup need to be aware of the possibility that life's changes may render their agreement so unfair as to be disregarded by a court.
The terms of a prenup must be considered fair, reasonable, and equitable under Michigan law. The agreement must have been signed voluntarily and without undue influence, fraud, or duress. Both parties must be forthcoming with all their assets in order for the prenuptial agreement to be considered fair.