In the United States, more couples now live together without being married than live together in wedlock. Almost 40% of all babies in the U.S. are born to unmarried moms. Yet the so-called “defense of marriage” state constitutional amendments and state laws, as well as inconsistent court decisions in various states and the District of Columbia, have profound effects on unmarried couples, whether same-sex or opposite-sex.
Estate and financial planning for non-traditional / unmarried couples requires creativity and legal knowledge. A carefully-crafted cohabitation agreement, along with specially-drafted estate planning and other related documents, can achieve, for an unmarried couple, almost the same legal rights and legal status as those enjoyed by a married couple.
In vitro fertilization is also a relatively unregulated area, particularly for single persons.
Our attorneys are experienced in all of these areas and are comfortable counseling couples who are married or unmarried, gay or straight, regarding the legal issues that affect them. |
