More and more modern couples are choosing not to marry. Each couple has their own reasons for making this decision. Some feel that they do not need “a piece of paper” to demonstrate their love and commitment. Others simply are not comfortable with the idea of marriage. However, there are certain legal protections that marriage offers in the event that one spouse becomes incapacitated or passes away. Spouses almost automatically inherit from each other in the absence of an estate plan, and will likely be called upon to make medical decisions for each other when necessary. Unmarried couples do not enjoy these protections.
Fortunately, there are ways other than getting married for committed couples to protect each other. Through a little careful estate planning with the help of a qualified attorney, unmarried couples can set in place largely the same safety nets that married couples are granted. It will likely cost much less than a wedding.
What Documents Should Committed but Unmarried Couples Have in Place?
It is important that couples who intend to stay together in a committed, long-term relationship address a few estate planning issues so that they will be well-prepared and protected in the event that one partner becomes incapacitated or passes away during the relationship. Some smart tactics these couples can use include:
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