Interview with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan

A recent federal case shows how a long-divorced spouse lost surviving spouse pension benefits because no QDRO was timely filed. Our attorney, who served as the estate's court-appointed fiduciary, explains why dividing a pension in a Michigan divorce means completing the QDRO early, not as an afterthought.

New Jersey's largest divorce trial pits billionaire hedge fund founder Jack Overdeck against his wife Laura over whether his company is marital or premarital property. We explain how that fight illustrates the issue and how Michigan family courts decide what is marital versus separate property under the Sparks v Sparks factors.

Michigan's new House Bill 4750 eliminates the so-called "orphan tax" — the longstanding practice of using foster children's federal benefits (like Social Security) to reimburse the state for their care. Effective October 2026, DHHS must identify representative payees, conserve a growing share of benefits by age, and provide financial literacy training before foster youth emancipate.