Couples in a long-term relationship often decide to live together either before marriage or in the place of marriage. But, many cohabiting couples don’t realize that their rights and interests don’t have any of the legal protections that married couples receive, which is true even if the cohabiting couple has been together for decades. This post discusses a way that cohabiting couples can protect their relationship and their rights as individuals in lieu of marriage.

While there are many benefits to cohabitation, couples who cohabitate do not enjoy all the same legal rights as married couples. If you would want your partner to make important medical decisions for you in an emergency, this post discusses some options that may be available to you.