New Michigan Laws Could Positively Impact Your Family, Your Identity, or Your Long-Term-Care

It’s not every day that three important legal shifts happen at once. But on April 1, 2025, Michigan quietly made updates that could touch more lives than most people realize—from those hoping to grow their families to individuals managing long-term care. Here’s what’s changed—and why it may matter more than you think.

Surrogacy Is Now Legal in Michigan

For the first time in 37 years, people in Michigan can move forward with surrogacy arrangements without facing unnecessary barriers. That’s a major step forward for families who have waited far too long.

• Intended parents no longer need to fight for legal recognition after birth
• Those using assisted reproduction now have a clearer path to parental rights, with easier and less costly options to secure legal relationships.
• The law removes the uncertainty that previously surrounded these processes

This shift offers legal clarity and a more stable path to parenthood—something many have worked toward for years.

Name Changes Are Now More Private and Streamlined

A Michigan resident can now change their name  without being subjected to  fingerprinting, and in some cases, without having to publish the change in the newspaper. This helps protect privacy and reduces delays, particularly for those facing time-sensitive or personal circumstances.  In addition, there is now a process for anyone with a Michigan birth certificate, whether or not their name change was done through a Michigan Court, to have a new birth certificate issued and the original one sealed.

More Flexibility for Medicaid Recipients

Those enrolled in Medicaid programs like nursing home care, PACE, or the Mi-Choice Waiver are no longer restricted to $2,000 in countable assets.

• New limit: $9,660
• Extra funds can be used for things like basic needs, taxes, or insurance on a home

This update allows recipients to retain a small cushion for day-to-day stability—something that can make a big difference when planning around health or housing.

Questions About What These Updates Mean for You?

Even small rule changes can ripple out in big ways. If you think any of these updates could affect you, your family, or someone close to you, we’re here to talk through the details.

Contact us today for personalized guidance by calling 734-930-9200 or 231-427-2292, or visit us online.

We’re Invested in Improving Lives.