What to Know About Common-Law Marriage in Michigan

April 14, 2025

What to Know About Common-Law Marriage in Michigan


If you’ve been in a long-term relationship and live together, you might have heard people say things like “we’ve been together so long, we’re basically common-law married.” It’s a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, but in Michigan, it’s important to know that common-law marriage isn’t legally recognized—at least not the way many people think. Let’s start with the basic truth: Michigan does not allow couples to form a common-law marriage within the state. This has been the case since 1957, when Michigan formally abolished the practice. That means no matter how long you’ve lived together, shared bills, or acted like a married couple, the state won’t consider you legally married unless you actually went through the formal process—license, ceremony, and all.


That said, there’s one exception that can still come into play. Michigan does recognize common-law marriages that were legally established in other states. So if you and your partner lived in a state that does allow common-law marriage (like Colorado, Iowa, or Texas), and you met all their legal requirements before moving to Michigan, then Michigan may honor that relationship as a legal marriage. But it has to be valid under that other state’s laws first. You can’t just move to Michigan and decide to call yourselves common-law married—it doesn’t work that way.


Now, just because Michigan doesn’t recognize common-law marriage doesn’t mean that unmarried couples don’t face legal questions when things change—especially if the relationship ends. You might share a home, a car, even children. You might have invested in property together or supported each other financially for years. So what happens when one person wants to move out, or you’re not sure how to divide things?


Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as “we’ll just do what married couples do.” Michigan’s family law system offers certain rights and protections to married couples—like equitable property division, spousal support, or inheritance rights—but those don’t automatically apply to couples who never got married. That can leave one partner in a vulnerable spot if they don’t have legal agreements in place.


For example, let’s say you’ve been living in your partner’s house for 10 years, contributing to the mortgage, helping with renovations, paying utilities. If your name isn’t on the deed or mortgage, you may not have any legal claim to that property if the relationship ends. That surprises a lot of people. You might feel like you’ve built a life together—and emotionally, you have—but under Michigan law, property rights aren’t based on how long you’ve been together or how much effort you put in unless you’re legally married or have a specific contract in place.


The same goes for things like jointly purchased vehicles, shared bank accounts, or even debts. If there’s no written agreement, you could find yourself in a difficult situation trying to prove who owns what or who should be responsible for certain payments. And courts don’t handle property division for unmarried couples the same way they do for divorcing spouses. In fact, many of these disputes end up being handled as basic civil cases—not family law cases—because the law sees them as contract or property issues, not marital ones.


This is why many long-term, unmarried couples in Michigan are starting to take legal steps to protect themselves. Some choose to create cohabitation agreements. These are legally binding contracts between partners that outline how property, finances, and responsibilities will be handled during the relationship—and what happens if it ends. It’s essentially like a prenup, but for couples who don’t plan to get married. It doesn’t mean you’re expecting the relationship to fail—it just means you’re being realistic about protecting yourselves and avoiding legal confusion later on.


Another issue that comes up a lot is inheritance. If you’re not legally married and don’t have a will, your partner is not automatically entitled to anything from your estate. In Michigan, intestate succession laws (those that apply when someone dies without a will) give priority to legal spouses and blood relatives—not long-term partners. That means if something unexpected happens, your partner could be left out completely unless you've made formal arrangements through a will, trust, or beneficiary designation.


Child-related issues are a whole different area. If an unmarried couple has a child together, there are still legal steps that need to be taken to establish paternity and parental rights. The mother is automatically considered the legal parent, but the father’s rights are not guaranteed unless paternity is legally established. Without it, the father may not have custody or parenting time rights, and he may not be responsible for child support either. It’s a critical step that unmarried parents need to be aware of, especially if they separate or one parent wants to move out of state.


So where does all of this leave you if you’re in a committed relationship, living together, and building a life without a marriage license? The good news is, you still have options. With the right legal planning—like cohabitation agreements, estate planning, and clear documentation of property—you can protect yourself and your partner, even if the law doesn’t view your relationship the same way it views a marriage.


If you’ve been with your partner for years and just assumed that your relationship would be legally recognized, you’re not alone. A lot of people find themselves surprised by what the law does—and doesn’t—cover when it comes to long-term, unmarried relationships. The key is being proactive. It’s not about being pessimistic or distrusting your partner—it’s about protecting both of you and avoiding unnecessary conflict in the future.


At Coppins Law Group, we’ve worked with many Michigan couples who are navigating these questions. Whether you’re just moving in together, planning for the future, or trying to untangle things after a breakup, we’re here to help you understand your rights and make informed decisions. Every situation is unique, and we’ll work with you to find solutions that fit your specific needs.


If you have questions about your rights as an unmarried partner or want to explore creating legal agreements to protect yourself, reach out to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through your options, explain what makes sense for your situation, and help you feel more secure—no matter where your relationship goes next.


Just a reminder: this blog is meant for general information only. It’s not legal advice, and it’s not a substitute for meeting with an attorney. If you’re facing a legal issue, your best next step is to talk with a lawyer who can look at your specific situation and guide you from there.

Will a DUI in Macomb County Affect My License, Job, or Insurance?

June 29, 2025
If you’ve recently been charged with a DUI or OWI in Macomb County or the surrounding Southeast Michigan area, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the first things many people ask is how the charge could affect their driver’s license, their job, or their insurance. Facing an OWI charge is stressful, especially if this is your first time dealing with the legal system. This post walks through some of the possible outcomes and important things to know based on how these cases are typically handled in the local courts. First, a Quick Look at the Terms In Michigan, the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is used more often than DUI, though people tend to use them interchangeably. You may also hear the term OUID (Operating Under the Influence of Drugs), which covers driving while impaired by substances other than alcohol. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or a controlled substance, OWI charges are taken seriously in Macomb County, and local courts move quickly through the process. What Can Happen to Your Driver’s License? License penalties are common after an OWI charge, even before your case is finalized. For example: Implied Consent Violations : If you refuse to take a chemical test after arrest, the Michigan Secretary of State may automatically suspend your license for one year. This is separate from your criminal case. First OWI Conviction : This can lead to up to a 6-month suspension. In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days. High BAC (.17 or higher) : This can trigger longer suspensions and require the installation of an ignition interlock device if a restricted license is granted. The local courts in Mt. Clemens often follow these guidelines closely, and the Secretary of State processes license penalties independently of the judge’s ruling. It’s important to be aware of both parts of the system. Can a DUI Affect Your Job? It depends on the type of work you do. For some people, an OWI has little or no impact on employment. For others, it can be more serious. Jobs that involve: Driving a company vehicle Holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Security clearances State licenses or professional certifications …may be affected by a DUI conviction. Employers in these situations often require notification of criminal charges or conduct background checks as part of ongoing employment. This is especially true in regulated fields like healthcare, education, law enforcement, or government contracting. If your job is unrelated to driving or licensing, your employer might not take any action at all. However, if you have a company policy that requires reporting arrests or convictions, it’s important to be proactive and check what’s required. What About Your Insurance? In most cases, your auto insurance rates will go up after a DUI conviction. Some insurance companies may even choose not to renew your policy. This isn’t something that happens immediately, but once the conviction hits your driving record, insurers may re-evaluate your policy at renewal time. Drivers with an OWI on their record may need to obtain SR-22 insurance , which is a special certification that proves you’re carrying the required amount of liability coverage. Michigan doesn’t require SR-22 in every OWI case, but your insurance provider may. Will This Stay on Your Record? Michigan has recently made changes to its expungement laws. Some first-time OWI offenses may now be eligible for expungement, but only under specific conditions and after a waiting period. Expungement is not automatic and requires a formal process through the court. If you’re thinking about long-term consequences, especially for your driving and criminal record, it’s worth speaking with an attorney to see what your options are. How Macomb County Courts Typically Handle OWI Cases In Macomb County, OWI cases usually start in district court. For residents in Mt. Clemens, that typically means the 41-B District Court. Judges in this court have handled hundreds of these cases, and they are familiar with all the nuances involved. The court process often includes: An arraignment Pre-trial conferences Review of police reports, body cam footage, and breathalyzer or blood test results Possible plea negotiations A sentencing hearing if there is a conviction Every case is different. Some people are eligible for sobriety court programs or other alternatives, depending on the facts of the case and their criminal history. Steps to Take After Being Charged If you’ve been charged with OWI in or around Macomb County: Don’t delay. Court dates often come up quickly. Don’t try to navigate it alone. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years. Write down everything you remember from the traffic stop and arrest while it’s fresh in your mind. Gather any documents you’ve received and keep them in one place. You don’t have to go through this process without support. Local attorneys who work in the district courts every week understand what to expect and how to guide you through the steps. Need Help Navigating an OWI Charge in Mt. Clemens? Our team at Coppins Law Group has worked with many individuals facing DUI or OWI charges in the Macomb County area. We understand the pressure this puts on your life, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and options at every step. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and results can vary depending on the facts and circumstances. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact Coppins Law Group directly.

How Child Custody Is Determined in Divorce Cases Around Mt. Clemens and Macomb County

June 18, 2025
If you’re going through a separation or divorce and you have children, it’s likely that child custody is one of your biggest concerns. In the Mt. Clemens and greater Macomb County area, custody decisions are handled by the local family court system. Understanding how judges in this region typically approach custody can help you better prepare for the process ahead. Every case is unique, but here’s what you should know if you're facing a custody matter in this part of Southeast Michigan. What Judges in Macomb County Family Court Look For Courts in Macomb County, just like others in the region, are guided by what’s called the best interest of the child . Judges look at a variety of factors to decide what kind of custody arrangement will support the child’s physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Some of the specific things they might consider include: The emotional ties between the child and each parent Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home The child’s age and needs Any history of abuse or neglect The mental and physical health of all parties involved The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent These are just a few examples. Judges have broad discretion and will look closely at the full picture before making a decision. Types of Custody That May Be Awarded Local courts may award joint custody or sole custody , and they’ll often divide custody into two categories: Legal Custody : This determines who has the authority to make decisions about schooling, medical care, and other major life issues. It’s common for parents to share legal custody unless the court sees a specific reason not to. Physical Custody : This refers to where the child lives most of the time. Some families have a shared parenting time schedule, while others may have one parent with primary custody and the other with scheduled visitation. In Macomb County, parenting time orders are generally detailed. Judges want clear schedules that outline school days, weekends, holidays, and even pick-up and drop-off times to help avoid conflict. What You Should Bring to a Custody Hearing If you’re preparing for a custody hearing in Mt. Clemens or a nearby court, there are a few things that can help your case: A detailed parenting time proposal that shows you’ve thought about the child’s needs Proof of a stable home environment Information about your work schedule and availability Any documentation related to the child’s school or healthcare needs If you have concerns about the other parent, especially regarding safety, substance use, or unstable living conditions, bring documentation to support those concerns. Local judges expect facts and evidence, not just opinions. What to Avoid During the Process While emotions can run high, it’s important to stay focused on the child’s well-being. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your children or online, and follow any temporary court orders to the letter. Also, be careful about informal agreements that aren’t court-approved. Even if both parents agree on something, it won’t be legally binding unless it’s documented and approved by the court. Why Local Representation Matters Every county handles custody cases a little differently. Local knowledge can be a major advantage. Attorneys who regularly appear before Macomb County family court judges understand how to present a case effectively, what kind of evidence judges expect, and how to navigate the system without unnecessary delays. At Coppins Law Group, we represent clients in Mt. Clemens and the surrounding areas every day. We’re familiar with the expectations of the local courts, and we focus on helping clients feel informed and supported through the process. If Custody Agreements Break Down If there’s already a custody agreement in place but one parent isn’t following it, you may need to file a motion for enforcement or ask the court to modify the order. This happens more often than many people expect, especially as life changes — jobs shift, children get older, and new partners or moves come into play. The family court will always return to the best interest of the child when reviewing modification requests, but they also look at how well each parent has honored the current agreement. Next Steps if You’re Facing a Custody Dispute in Macomb County If you’re dealing with child custody in or around Mt. Clemens, make sure you know your rights and have the support you need. Custody matters are deeply personal, and you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re just beginning a divorce, responding to a custody motion, or thinking about modifying an existing arrangement, our office is available to discuss your situation and what steps make the most sense for your family. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Custody outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, and results can vary. For personalized legal guidance, contact Coppins Law Group directly to schedule a consultation.