Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples

All the law cohabiting couples need to know

Laws that protect married couples―on property ownership, divorce, inheritance rights, and more―don't apply to unmarried couples. To define and protect your relationship―and your assets―you need to take specific legal steps and use the right documents.

Whether you're just starting out or are one of the growing number of older couples who choose to live together, this revised edition has the information you need. It covers all the big issues facing unmarried couples living together, including:

Money and Property
Clarify how you'll share money and other assets.

Estate Planning
Leave your assets to whomever you wish, including children form a prior marriage.

Breaking Up
Divide property and share child custody fairly.

Children
Protect your kids by confirming that you are their legal parents.

The House
If you buy a house together, spell out ownership shares in writing.

Medical Decisions
Make important medical decisions for each other if necessary.