St. Petersburg Estate Planning Attorney
Planning for Domestic Partners and Unmarried Couples
In many cases, estate planning is just as important for unmarried couples as married couples. When couples have children together, live together but are unmarried or wish to create a cohabitation agreement, working with an estate-planning attorney can help.
I am attorney Carole A. Banks, and I help unmarried couples protect and plan for their futures. Contact my offices in St. Petersburg by calling 727-498-1379.
Paternity and Parenting Issues
Many couples with children choose not to get married. People in this situation can protect their separate interests and the interests of their children by drafting an agreement outlining their responsibilities as parents, including:
- Child custody
- Visitation / time sharing
- Child support
- Educational preferences
Whether parents are living together or have separated, it is a wise legal decision to plan for these important matters. By drafting a legal document outlining these responsibilities, future disputes can be avoided.
Domestic Partners
There are a number of legal options available to domestic partners wishing to establish their rights and obligations. At my law firm, I assist domestic partners with estate-planning matters, using the following documents to help them plan for their futures together:
- Wills
- Durable power of attorney
- Health care surrogates
Cohabitation Agreements
A cohabitation agreement is much like a marriage agreement, outlining the rights and obligations of each individual. Couples who are living together but are unmarried — whether heterosexual or homosexual — can benefit from a cohabitation agreement. This legal document can name the rights and responsibilities of each party during the relationship, as well as provide planning if the relationship ends. The agreement can address property division, support to the other partner (similar to alimony) and other issues.
For more information about planning for gay couples and unmarried couples, contact a lawyer today to schedule a free initial consultation.
