S9 Ep81: Is the House I Owned Before Marriage Considered Marital Property?

#ChooseGoldman Attorney Akiva Goldman explains how a house owned before marriage is typically viewed as separate property, though certain actions like co-mingling or adding a spouse to the deed can change its legal status. He details how the court looks at passive market growth versus active improvements when deciding how to divide a home's value. • A house owned prior to marriage is generally considered separate property if it is kept separate and not co-mingled. • Adding a spouse to the property deed is legally viewed as making a gift to the marriage, giving them an equal interest. • Passive appreciation due to market changes is often considered marital growth and may be subject to division. • Active improvements, such as "sweat equity" or renovations paid with marital funds, can shift the home's value into the marital estate. • Michigan divorce courts operate as courts of equity and have the discretion to divide property based on the specific fairness of the circumstances. 📞 (248) 590-6600 Call/Text 📅 For a Complimentary Phone Case Evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Click here to watch the video: https://youtu.be/EEPDYQpK-s0 For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer ⬇️ Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/divorce/is-the-house-i-owned-before-marriage-considered-marital-property Visit us at ChooseGoldman.com #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #MichiganDivorce #PropertyDivision #MaritalAssets #FamilyLaw #RealEstateLaw #AssetProtection #MichiganLawyer