Divorce - Islamic | Grand Rapids Divorce Attorney

The Grand Rapids Divorce Attorneys at Krupp Law Offices P.C. can your questions about Islamic divorce and Michigan divorce law. The intersection of religous divorce and Michigan law can create complications.

Most, if not all, Islamic marriages involve the parties signing a Islamic Marriage Certificate. That marriage certificate is signed by the parties and the cleric who preforms the cerimony. The Islamic marriage certificate has a provision for "Mahr" similar to dower paid to the wife not the wife's family. Mahr is a cash dollar amount due "now or later". There is a question about enforceability of Mahr in Michigan courts. The Islamic marriage certificate of the parties is not as clear for a number of reasons. Specifically the Court of Appeals stated in Samman v Samman; 2004 WL2535219 the following:

“Defendant’s second claim on appeal is that the trial Court erred in its property division because it denied recognition of the parties Islamic marriage and divorce contracts. Defendant contends that the marriage contract should be recognized as a prenuptial agreement limiting Plaintiff to a $15,000 property settlement and that the divorce contract should be recognized as affirming the property distribution portion of the marriage contract”  In this case, there was no preservation of the issue in that MCR 2.111(F)(3) requires affirmative defenses to be asserted in the party’s responsive pleading. In this case, the contract or prenuptial agreement is not listed as an affirmative defense and as such it was not properly plead and should be excluded procedurally. Further, the Court should make reference to Deal v Deal, 197 Mich App 739, 741; 496 NW2d 403 (1993). 

There are strong arguments against the enforcement of such agreements in Michigan Courts.  

The Islamic marriage certificate clearly states that it is not made pursuant to any state law but rather is made pursuant to Shariah law. Further, the payment has no due date and the form is clearly religiously based and is not based in law. As such, on its face the agreement is unenforceable and merely provides for a religious obligation rather than a legal obligation.
Alternatively, the Court would have to review the document on a basis of the agreement being a prenuptial agreement. As stated earlier, the agreement was never plead and as such should be excluded. If the Court determines a review as a prenuptial agreement is necessary, the agreement very clearly does not comply with Michigan law prenuptial agreements. Michigan holds that prenuptial agreements are valid provided they meet certain requirements (see Rinvelt v Rinvelt, 190 Mich App 372, 380-382; 475 NW2d 478 (1991). In that case, the Court specifically stated the following factors should be considered in determining the enforceability of a prenuptial agreement, specifically:
(1) where the agreement was obtained through fraud, duress or mistake, or misrepresentation or nondisclosure of material fact;

(2) where the agreement was unconscionable when executed;

(3) or where the facts and circumstances have changed since the agreement was executed, so as to make its enforcement unfair and unreasonable.

Iit is very clear that it was the understanding of the parties that this was not a legal document but rather a religious ceremonially document. Further, it was very unconscionable in the sense that it provide for a payment of a large sum of money and all right under Michigan law.  "Now or later" with no logical end or payment schedule. It would clearly be considered illusory. Further, the agreement would be considered unconscionable. The Court of Appeals has very clearly stated that prenuptial agreements must be entered into voluntarily by the parties which each understanding his or her rights and the extent of the waiver of such rights. Prenuptial agreements require a special duty of disclosure not required in ordinary contact relationships so that each party will be fully informed before entering into such agreements stated in Benker Estate, 416 Mich 681, 684; 331 NW2d 193 (1982).  The Court has clearly stated that full disclosure is required in order for a prenuptial agreement to be enforceable. Without full disclosure there cannot be a meaningful waiver of rights (see Lentz v Lentz, 271 Mich App 465, 474-475; 721 NW2d 861 (2006). In this case, there was no disclosure. Further, neither party had an opportunity to review the document prior to marriage nor did they have an ability to consult with an attorney. Further, there was no disclosure of assets.Additionally, in making reference to drafting points it is imperative that the contract be unambiguous. In this case, payments are required “now or later”.

The only case on point is Samman v Samman; 2004 WL2535219  it is anticipated that more case law in the court of appeals will develop.

If you are facing a divorce, a good divorce attorney is not optional, it is a requirement! Our divorce attorneys can answer your questions with straight talk. Having the right divorce attorney on your side can relieve your stress during this difficult situation. Our attorneys have over 85 years of divorce experience. Our attorneys have extensive divorce trial experience including property settlements, spousal support, alimony, child custody, and other serious divorce related issues. Typical fees to retain attorney for a divorce case can range and from 1,500 dollars to as high as 5000 dollars.

Considering the seriousness of this life changing event, it is extremely important to retain the services of an experienced attorney in the area of divorce.

Krupp Law Offices P.C.is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the right divorce attorney for you.  We represent clients in all divorce matters throughout West Michigan, including the cities of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Grand Haven, and the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ionia.

Call for a free phone consulation.  Our office can help.

Christian Krupp

CEO & Founder

Christian G Krupp II was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Chris attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1988.He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he was a member of law review and one of the few students that had his law review article published.Christian Krupp graduated from law school with honors in the top ten percent of his class.His legal career started and Dykema Gossett, Michigan’s largest law firm.While at Dykema, he was involved in a diverse practice groups including the corporate, finance, and legislative areas.After leaving Dykema, Christian Krupp joined the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.

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George Krupp

Creative Director

George Krupp was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.He was admitted to practice law in 1961 and started practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1962 in the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.After years of success in the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, George Krupp left for private practice where he has worked for over fifty years.Over his fifty years of experience he has represented thousands of clients in civil and criminal cases.His primary concentration has been in domestic (family law / divorce cases) and criminal cases.

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