Unmarried But Committed? You Still Need a Plan.
Why Estate Planning Matters More Than Ever for Modern Couples
Love doesn’t always come with a marriage license. More and more couples are building a life together—sharing homes, raising children, managing finances—without ever officially tying the knot. And while that’s a deeply personal and valid choice, it can come with unexpected legal consequences if you don’t have a plan in place.
If you’re unmarried and committed, the law may not recognize the life you’ve built together. In fact, it may treat you and your partner as legal strangers—no matter how many years you’ve shared. That can put your partner and children at serious risk in the event of illness, incapacity, or death.
The good news? You can take control of the future and protect what you’ve built—together.
Why Estate Planning Is Critical for Unmarried Couples
Without a legally recognized relationship, your partner may have no rights when it comes to:
Medical decisions during an emergency
Inheritance of your home or assets
Raising your children if you're no longer able
Handling your final wishes after death
Unfortunately, this often leads to court battles, family disputes, or financial hardship—especially during an already emotional time. But with the right plan, you can avoid all that.
Your Estate Planning Checklist for Peace of Mind
Here are the most important areas unmarried couples need to address:
🏠 Home Sweet Home… But Is It Legally Yours Together?
If one partner passes away and the home isn’t jointly owned—or covered by a trust—the surviving partner may lose the right to stay. You’ll want to:
Set up a revocable living trust
Consider joint tenancy with rights of survivorship
Understand tax implications and plan accordingly
👶 Planning for Your Children
Unmarried parents face extra layers of complexity when it comes to guardianship and inheritance. You’ll want to:
Legally name guardians in case of emergency
Use a will or trust to ensure your children are financially protected
Address any blended family dynamics ahead of time
💵 Protecting Financial Accounts & Assets
From bank accounts and retirement plans to personal property, you’ll want to:
Clarify who owns what
Ensure beneficiary designations are up to date
Create a plan to avoid unnecessary taxes or probate
❤️ Planning for Incapacity and Healthcare
In a crisis, your partner may be unable to step in without the right documents. Protect each other with:
Durable power of attorney
Healthcare directives and HIPAA authorizations
Clear instructions for end-of-life care
💻 Don’t Forget Digital Assets and Pets
You’ll also want to plan for:
Access to digital accounts and cryptocurrencies
Business succession if one of you is a business owner
Care for beloved pets, who are legally treated as property
Why You Need More Than a Traditional Estate Plan
A generic or DIY estate plan often isn’t enough—especially for unmarried couples. You need a Life & Legacy Plan that takes into account your unique relationship, family dynamics, and long-term goals.
At Starsia Law, we don’t just draft documents. We get to know your family, your values, and your vision—so we can help you create a plan that truly protects the people you love.
Ready to Protect Your Future—Together?
You’ve built a life filled with love and commitment. Now let’s make sure it’s protected. Whether you're just starting out or you've been together for years, the right estate plan can give you both peace of mind.
📅 Schedule a consultation today to begin building your Life & Legacy Plan.
This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.