My question is: I have about 45k in an IRA that we have saved through the years of marriage.  

With the recent ruling by SCOTUS regarding gay marriage, I wonder what will happen in States (as Michigan) which have long established dower rights?

A few years ago Chik-fil-a made some comments about their gay marriage stance.

Housing Discrimination Doesn’t Need Intent, Supreme Court SaysPosted in Law & Policy, by Robert Freedman on July 1, 2015 Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on linkedinShare on google_plusone_shareShare on emailMore Sharing Services3Much of the country’s attention has been on the United States Supreme Court’s rulings on marriage equality and the Affordable Care Act last week, but the nation’s highest court also handed down an important housing decision that looks at whether a public or private entity can get hit with a federal Fair Housing lawsuit even if it had no intent to discriminate.

However, when wife says jump, I say how high - such is the secret to happy marriage...Wife said let's remodel the house.

Same with mortgage documents, deeds, marriage and divorce records, etc. 

Time will tell whether they become interested in marriage (large percent say they will never marry) and having children will influence their decision to move to areas with lower costs of living and lower priced homes.Personally, I think the statistical fact that young people are interested in staying uncommitted is great for real estate investors.  

Starting out in real estate investing when your finances are shaky and when you are suffering the stress that can come from a difficult close personal relationship such as a marriage that is not working out and children that need great care can make it very difficult if not impossible to objectively analyze, evaluate, and finance real estate deals.

We purchased two rental properties within 3 years of marriage, then careers and kids just happened to take over. 

Separate property is defined as anything acquired by a spouse before the marriage, during the marriage by gift, devise, or bequest, and after the parties separate.Hope this helps