Many legal protections exist that prohibit discrimination against unmarried couples, but unmarried couples can encounter great difficulties if one partner dies or becomes ill, or the relationship comes to an end. If you live with your partner without being married, you must take certain legal steps if you want to make sure that you and your partner have rights and obligations similar to those that married couples have. A partnership contract can be used to establish the rights and duties of each person in the relationship. A will can be used to provide for the distribution of property at death so that property does not automatically pass to legal family members. Partners may purchase homes with a right of survivorship.
Partners can own cars, furniture, bank accounts and investments in both names.
A person can appoint a partner as a health care representative by filling out a form. The court can establish parental rights for children, even if only one member of the couple is the legal parent. You can protect yourself and your partner by proper attention to the legal aspects of your relationship. Even if you do not have a written partnership contract, the court may be able to divide property and may be able to establish custody, visitation, or support for children when a couple separates. If you have been in an unmarried relationship that is coming to an end, you should ask a lawyer about your options.