Marquette, MI asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan

Q: Is their common law marriage or cohabitation rights in Michigan?

My father is 84 years old in the early stages of demensia/Alzheimers. He has a girlfriend (58 yrs old) who has lived with him for approximately 6 years. If my father goes into a nursing home or passes what rights will she have, if any? To my knowledge, he has a will that my mother and him put together. I am starting to get power of attorney granted to me, that he has agreed to (lawyer is booked two months out). Please advise.

1 Lawyer Answer

A: There is no such thing as common law marriage in MIchigan. There are no rights obtained from co-habitation. You appear to be on the right path but I would suggest that you also have a complete estate plan prepared for him including a trust while he is still competent enough to know what he is signing.

Brent T. Geers agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

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