Whether you said “I do” at the altar, entered a common law marriage, are in a domestic partnership or cohabit with your significant other, the laws about your financial rights and obligations vary by state, and sometimes even by city.
To understand how your relationships status and living situation impacts your legal rights and obligations, consider consulting with reputable financial, legal and tax professionals in your area. With that in mind, here are some important things you should know:
Once you become familiar with your legal rights and obligations as an unmarried couple, you can take steps to financially protect yourself—and your partner. Start by discussing:
Again, since the legalities governing marriage, common-law marriage, cohabitating and domestic partnerships are complex and vary by state, please consult reputable legal, tax and financial professionals in your area for more information on how to protect yourself, your significant other and your assets.