There are a lot of reasons people decide not to get married. It isn't their thing, it would cause one person to lose a pension or retirement benefit, it would interfere with existing planning and the list goes on.
Whatever the reason, if you or someone you know is in an opposite sex, unmarried relationship there are still really important reasons to do planning. These reason primarily revolve around the ability of your partner to be able to make legal, financial and health care decisions for you in the event of a mental disability or health crisis. Without legal directives appointing your partner as your agent or surrogate, you will not be protected. Most state laws look at unmarried couples as no better than friends. When you look at the state statutes, the decision making role for friends is at the end of the list after parents, siblings, cousins and more remote relatives.
If you want to control who makes your legal, financial and health care related decisions if you are unable to do so yourself, contact us today!
If you want more information on Estate Planning for Alternative Families, please attend our complimentary workshop on Thursday October 3, 2013, at 6 p.m. at our Learning Center in Oviedo, Florida.
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