Living together out of wedlock can mean anything, especially in court -- unlike married couples, most unmarried couples don't automatically inherit or receive protection under the law. Consequently, you must document everything from property ownership and children to wills and other estate plans.

An essential resource for any unmarried couple, Living Together explains:

the legality of living together

having and raising children

the many types of ownership agreements

relationships with a prior family

getting authorization to make medical decisions for an ill or injured partner

Living Together includes:

a complete overview of important legal documents, including a living together contract

instructions to filling out these documents

sample forms

legal agreements as tear-outs and on CD-ROM

This edition provides the latest law in readable 50-state charts, and includes many fill-in-the-blank legal forms. It also discusses the laws covering same-sex marriages and civil unions, which are often so broad, they affect unmarried heterosexual couples as well.

List of Forms

Agreement of Joint Intent Not to Have a Common Law Marriage
Agreement to Keep Property Separate
Attachment A (Separately Owned Property)
Agreement to Share Property
Attachment B (Jointly Owned Property)
Agreement for a Joint Purchase
Agreement Covering Rented Living Space
Letter Requesting Permission to Add a Roommate
Contract for Equal Ownership of a House
Promissory Note
Contract for Unequal Ownership of a House
Agreement for One Person to Move Into the Other's House and Become an Immediate Co-Owner
Agreement for One Person to Move Into the Other's House and Become a Co-Owner Gradually
Acknowledgment of Parenthood
Will
Codicil
Short-Term Agreement Regarding Separation and Housing
Agreement to Protect Property During a Split-Up
Agreement to Mediate and Arbitrate
Home Buyout Agreement