Living Together: What No One Tells You About Cohabitation

The Legal Illusion of ‘Common Law Marriage’

• Myth: Living together for years = common law marriage
• Reality: Most states, including Missouri, do NOT recognize common law marriage
• Breakups offer no legal protections unless you plan ahead



The Risks You Didn’t See Coming

Financial Loss in a Breakup

• No automatic rights to home, car, or assets in partner’s name

No Legal Rights in Medical or Estate Matters

• No right to make medical decisions or inherit assets

Debt & Credit Risks

• Co-signing loans = full responsibility if partner defaults

Protecting Yourself Legally

1️⃣ Cohabitation Agreement: Outlines property, finances, and asset division

2️⃣ Estate Planning: Ensures your partner inherits assets & grants legal authority

3️⃣ Insurance Matters: Non-married partners often have limited auto liability coverage

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Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

WheelanLaw.com

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law.  This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.  The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.