Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

engaged couple with children, what would I be entitled to?

My Fincee and and I have 2 children together. We lived in an apartment prior to our current house. We looked for a house when we were expecting our first child. I worked at the time, to get approved for a mortgage loan, my income was needed. We ended up getting a house from his step mother on land contract instead. My finacee went behind my back and did not include my name in the contract. Since we didn't need a actual loan, he didn't need my income to buy this house. We have had two children together and have lived here for over 3 years. He has also bought me a Bravada since then in his name, beacuse I was a stay at home mother for 2 years. I now work part time and pay child care and clothing, toys, etc.. for our children, but make no other household payments. I am the sole driver of the care, sole caregiver of the house and children. I want to get out of the relationship but now have nothing in my name, although we acquired it together. Would I be entiled to anything if we split up? I feel we bought the house together, since we lived together before. I also signed purchase agreements on houses before this land contract house was presented to us. Do I have rights??


Asked on 6/13/06, 12:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: engaged couple with children, what would I be entitled to?

In Michigan, you don't have much of a chance to get anything regarding the house. If you can establish that he explictely promised you the house or a share of the house if you stayed with him, etc., you may be able to get to trial but it is a very difficult case and without a potential very, very deep pocket (your fiance has to be rich to make it worthwhile), it is doubtful that any attorney would be dying to take the case. Michigan is very strict in making it worth your while to get married. Without that marriage certificate, there is not much chance. You'd get child support however. If he is a deadbeat, perhaps the court would put a lien on the house to guarantee the support. William S. Stern

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Answered on 6/13/06, 1:53 pm


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