Insurance tells couples to cover the basics Joint tenancy protects unmarried couples from probate Unmarried couples need to save more for retirement Living together without benefit of marriage, once the stuff of scandal, has become as common as gourmet coffee. Nearly 6 million U.S. households consisted of unmarried adults last year, the Census Bureau says, and that number is certain to rise. The National Marriage Project found young adults much more likely to live together out of wedlock than previous generations.
Unmarried people live together for all kinds of reasons.
Some are young and sharing expenses. Some are in same-sex relationships. Some are older and don't want to lose government benefits by marrying. Whatever their motivations, all unmarried couples face similar financial challenges. Few state and federal laws recognize unmarried couples.