What Unmarried Couples Need to Do to Protect Their Future
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More couples than ever are choosing to live together without getting married. For many, it feels practical — sharing expenses, building a home, and creating a life together. But there’s a hidden problem most don’t realize until it’s too late: the law doesn’t automatically protect your partner.
If you’re not married, the legal system treats you and your partner as strangers — even if you’ve been together for 10 or 15 years. That means if something unexpected happens — an accident, illness, or even death — your partner may have no rights to make decisions on your behalf or inherit anything from you.
In this episode of Estate Planning Confidence, I explain why love isn’t enough when it comes to protecting your relationship and your future — and I share the essential documents every unmarried couple should have in place.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why more couples are choosing to live together without getting married
How the law treats unmarried partners — and why that can put you at risk
Real-life examples of what can go wrong without proper planning
The five essential tools every unmarried couple should have:
Powers of Attorney – for health care and property decisions
HIPAA Authorizations – to access medical information
Wills – to ensure your partner inherits what matters most
Beneficiary Designations – so your accounts reflect your wishes
Cohabitation Agreements – to prevent disputes and clarify expectations
Take Control of Your Future
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the married — it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind. By putting the right documents in place, you decide who matters most and ensure the law respects your choices.
I’ve created a free checklist that walks you through the exact documents unmarried couples need to protect each other. You can download it here:🔗 Get Your Free Checklist
If you’ve been living together and haven’t taken these steps yet, don’t wait. Protect your partner. Protect your future.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Estate Planning Confidence Podcast
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About Robert Monahan
Robert Monahan is an estate planning attorney licensed in Illinois and New York.
He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Robert helps families plan with clarity and confidence from his office in Gurnee, Illinois.
📍 Office: 4229 Grove Ave, Gurnee, IL
📞 Phone: (847) 848-6165
📧 Email: monahanfirm@gmail.com
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