On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Unmarried Couples on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.
More and more individuals are choosing to live together without the benefit/burden of marriage. They may own a home together, share a bank account and raise children together without being legally married. This lifestyle provides some benefits to individuals in Chicago and other areas. However, making the choice to live together without marriage can pose unique legal problems, such as issues with child custody and property division.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that three quarters of women have lived with a partner by the time that they reach 30 years of age, which is an increase of 19 percent since the year 1995. One benefit of co-habitating is that some individuals may view it as less scary than marriage. People in this situation can accomplish career goals and be financially secure without having to worry about being married. This situation also allows individuals to have a test run at marriage and find out more about their partner before making the complete plunge.
However, living together without the benefit of marriage can pose significant legal problems. It may be difficult for a court to determine which party owned which item before marriage, and some courts may not be interested in inserting themselves into this type of domestic problem. Additionally, having children out of wedlock might make difficulties for the fathers because mothers sometimes receive default custodial rights when they are not married. Additionally, separating large assets like a home or bank account may be burdensome and may be complicated without the type of contract that marriage implies.
Chicago family law attorneys may be able to assist individuals who are considering living together. Unmarried couples may be able to enter into contracts that can protect their property rights. Family law attorneys may be able to draw up these agreements.
Source: Glamour, “Are You a Nearlywed?”, Shaun Dreisbach, August 13, 2013