Challenges Facing Unmarried Couples, Non-traditional Families and Single Adults
At The Charles Law Offices, estate planning lawyer Susan M. Charles works with couples of all ages who have, for whatever reason, decided not to marry. She works with same-sex couples for whom marriage and civil unions are not an option under Florida law, as well as with single people.
Because non-traditional families are treated differently under Florida inheritance law, it's important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your wishes are followed. The Charles Law Offices can help. Call 866.607.6531 for a free consultation at one of our four local offices, or contact us online. We represent clients in Pinellas County, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area.
AV Preeminent* rated, Master of Laws in Elder Law, member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), member of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (AFELA)
Why an Estate Plan for Unmarried Couples
Homestead problems are some of the most heart-wrenching issues we see involving unmarried couples. The lease or deed is in one person's name and he or she has an oral agreement that an unmarried partner can live in the house until death. Then the property-owning partner dies and the grieving survivor is asked by the heirs to leave the home. With a bit of advance planning, this tragedy does not need to happen.
Hospital visitation and medical decision making is another area of unfairness. If your partner was seriously ill in the hospital, could you visit? Will you be included in decision making? Without a legally binding written document, the answer is no.
Make sure your intent for end-of-life care is spelled out in a power of attorney and a health care directive. Give your partner the security of knowing your property deed accurately reflects the agreement you have made between you. Work with an estate planning lawyer.
Why an Estate Plan for Singles
Often unmarried people in their 20s don't think they have an "estate" so they don't think they need an estate plan. Think again. There's a lot more to estate planning than just writing a will.
- If you are injured and in the hospital, who can make medical decisions for you? If it’s your parents, do they know what medical care you would want? Which one of them should become your guardian?
- If you were killed in an accident with a reckless driver, your estate could bring a lawsuit for wrongful death against that driver. Who inherits the money from that lawsuit? Under the law, each of your parents could inherit 50 percent, even a parent you have never met.
It's wise to hope for the best but to plan for the worst. You just don’t know what life will bring. But you DO know what you want and an estate plan can make that happen. Call 866.607.6531 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with a Florida estate planning lawyer.
Offices in Clearwater - Largo - St. Petersburg
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.
