A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples

   According to Census data, from 1990 to 2000 the number of couples living together in the U.S. increased 72% and the number of cohabiting seniors tripled. Also, 40% of unmarried households have children.

   Even though couples are not legally married, the law affects many aspects of their relationship.  In Living Together three attorneys spell out the legal implications of cohabitation.  Topics the authors consider include:

--buying a car or house together
--charging items for the other person on your credit card
--the legal status of property acquired before and after
--shared bank accounts
--health care directives
--obligations of each party to a landlord
--legal obligations of unmarried parents
--getting a divorce while living with someone else
--moving on and resolving breakup issues

  This title is one of Nolo's self-help legal books.  It is valuable both for those who don't seek legal counsel and for those who want to understand and monitor what their attorney is doing. 

   Gay or lesbian couples may want to read A Legal Guide For Lesbian & Gay Couples by Denis Clifford, Robin Leonard & Frederick Hertz.