Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

Who Gets What? Understanding Property Division in Michigan After a Divorce.

Dividing up assets during a divorce isn’t just emotional—it’s legal.
And in Michigan, the law has a few things to say about who gets what.

Whether you’re worried about the house, the retirement accounts, or your dog (yes, really), here’s what you need to know about property division in a Michigan divorce.

Michigan Is an “Equitable Distribution” State

Let’s get one thing straight:
Equitable does not mean equal.

Michigan follows equitable distribution, which means the court aims for a fair division of property—but not necessarily a 50/50 split. The court looks at multiple factors to decide what’s fair based on your situation.

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Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

Will vs. Trust: What’s the Difference in Michigan?

When planning for the future, many people ask: “Do I need a will, a trust, or both?” The answer depends on your goals, your assets, and how you want things handled after you're gone.

In Michigan, both wills and trusts are legal tools used in estate planning—but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you make smarter decisions for yourself and your family.

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Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

Why Having an Estate Plan in Michigan Matters More Than You Think

When most people hear "estate plan," they think of millionaires, trust funds, or retirement. But the truth is, estate planning is for everyone—no matter your age, income, or family situation. And if you're a Michigan resident, there are some unique laws and considerations that make having a plan even more important.

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Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

NIL GO - More clarity on validity of payments to athletes.

The House v. NCAA settlement aims to create a new process for approving NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals to prevent “pay-for-play” arrangements. Recently, details about this process, managed by a clearinghouse called “NIL Go,” were shared in a memo. The clearinghouse will not block deals but will flag them for schools to review. Schools will decide whether a payer is a booster or part of a collective. Deloitte, the firm creating the software for the clearinghouse, may charge schools fees ranging from $5,000 to $500,000.

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