Abandonment of property (real estate or personal property) is a legal concept in property law, but has little application in the context of divorce or family law. For example, a spouse or domestic partner does not forfeit an ownership interest in the shared home or any of its contents by moving out of the home. But moving out of the marital or shared home may impact the court’s decision on who may occupy the home while the divorce is pending, and a person should consult with an attorney before making this decision.

A person moving out of the shared home under such circumstances should also be prepared to have limited access to the home and its contents—at least until the court issues an order granting the person access to secure personal property and documents.

In Michigan, the concept of abandonment of property typically refers to the relinquishing of rights or interest in property without transferring them to another person. However, in the context of divorce or family law, abandonment does not necessarily mean a spouse forfeits ownership interest in the marital home or its contents simply by moving out. Michigan law recognizes that both parties have an interest in the marital property until a court decides otherwise. Moving out can affect temporary living arrangements while a divorce is pending, and the court may issue orders regarding who can occupy the home during this time. It is important to consult with an attorney before deciding to move out, as it can have implications for the divorce proceedings. Additionally, once a spouse moves out, they may have limited access to the home and its contents until a court order is obtained to secure personal property and documents. This is to ensure that property distribution is handled fairly and legally during the divorce process.