May 2026

An informative e-newsletter for the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Michigan Bankruptcy Homestead Exemption Increase

By Keith A. Schofner-Lambert Leser

The exemptions available to bankruptcy debtors in Michigan were recently increased. A debtor may choose to use the exemptions provided under state law or federal law to exempt property or equity in property. State and federal exemptions are amended every three years to adjust for inflation. See MCL 600.5451(4) and 11 USC §104. The federal exemptions were last amended on April 1, 2025, which increased the exemption that could be claimed by a debtor on a residence to $31,575. 11 USC §522(d)(1)

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Summer Conference 2026
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
July 15-18, 2026

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Before May 15, 2026
Section Members: $460
Non-Section Members: $520
Member of the Young Lawyers Section: $250

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Non-Section Members: $590
Member of the Young Lawyers Section: $325

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Real Property Law Section 2026

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Interested in writing an article for the e-Newsletter? Contact co-editors Samuel Kilberg at SKilberg@dykema.com or Glen Zatz at gzatz@bodmanlaw.com.

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We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Leslee Lewis at llewis@dickinson-wright.com for suggested topics and ideas.

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors, and they do not reflect in any way the positions of the State Bar of Michigan or the Real Property Law Section. These columns are meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.