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Lee Law Office 1809 W. Main St. Richmond, VA 23220
804-204-1500 mleelaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Your Legacy Is Built One Conversation at a Time
2
Keep Assets Clear of Courts
3
Grilled Whole Chicken and Vegetables
Facts Beyond the History Books
4
Love, Legacy, and the Law
ESTATE PROTECTIONS FOR UNWED PARTNERS COUPLES IN CONTROL
While it’s difficult to say goodbye to a loved one under any circumstance, the loss can be even more upsetting when an improperly devised estate plan puts the deceased’s legacy and wishes at risk. This dilemma is especially common among unmarried partners who are left without legal standing over their significant other’s estate upon their passing. Fortunately, there are a host of ways to protect an unmarried partner from complications if you pass away or become incapacitated. First and foremost, crafting an estate plan is essential to providing for anyone in your life. If you don’t have one in place, state law dictates that your assets will be distributed to your closest relatives. If you don’t want that, you must create a plan that states your wishes clearly, including instructions specifying who will receive particular assets. Additionally, a power of attorney can be drafted to provide clear directives for others, including your unmarried partner,
to follow if you become incapacitated and are unable to make your own medical and logistical decisions. Through health care and durable powers of attorney, you can assign your partner the authority to make critical decisions on your behalf, regardless of marital status. This arrangement is also beneficial if an unmarried partner maintains a shared mortgage or handles other expenses in your absence without having to argue for this authority in court. Additionally, holding joint ownership of certain assets (such as a home) can make it easier for your partner to inherit them. This is only a general overview of some of the most common solutions to estate planning issues involving unmarried partners. The best path is to seek guidance from an experienced estate planning attorney in your state for a more comprehensive view of your options, particularly if you and your partner have children.
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