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What property rights do unmarried couples have?

On Behalf of | Feb 16, 2018 | Family Law |

Wisconsin couples who have not gotten married yet may have some complex issues ahead of them. Unlike married couples, lines are not as clear when it comes to things like alimony, property division, and other forms of spousal support for couples that were simply cohabitating.

FindLaw takes a look at the property rights for unmarried couples who were sharing a living environment. Generally speaking, they suggest that you and your partner write out a property agreement on your own. Ideally, this will be done as soon as new property is acquired. You don’t want to be fighting about who gets what when you’re in the heat of a possible break-up, as this could lead to unfair divisions and decisions made with an unclear mind.

It should be noted that houses can also be included in this style of agreement. Income should also be factored in, especially if there is a large difference between the income of you and your partner.

Unfortunately, unmarried couples aren’t protected by the same sort of laws that can aid in property division during a married couple’s divorce. For this reason, it’s important for you to be proactive and plan ahead. But what if you haven’t done so?

It’s possible to protect and secure your property rights even during the process of breaking up. However, it might be a good idea to consult a legal professional or a negotiator in this case. They will likely be able to help you examine your situation and reach a favorable outcome.

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