Creating A Great Impression In Court

If you have ever had to attend court in order to prove your innocence, you know how much your appearance and attitude can impact the proceedings. Unfortunately, all too many people misinterpret how they should dress and what they should do in court, which is why I decided to make this blog. This website is all about creating a great impression in court and understanding how to present yourself to the judge and jury. After all, you might be trying to defend your innocence to avoid potential jail time. Check out this blog for great tips that could help you to protect your freedom.

Estate Planning For Unmarried Couples

Law Blog

If you are in a committed relationship with your significant other, but you aren't planning to marry one another, it's important that you recognize the legal limitations you could be facing should one of you pass away. Estate planning can be a bit tricky when you are trying to provide for the needs of your partner in a non-marriage relationship.

Here are two tips that you can use to ensure your estate can legally provide for your partner, despite the fact that you are unmarried.

1. Name your partner as a beneficiary on all insurance policies.

If you want your partner to be the recipient of any financial payout provided by your life insurance policy after you pass away, it's vital that you ensure your partner is listed as the sole beneficiary on your policy. When a beneficiary is not listed, the law requires that any insurance payouts be placed in probate, where a legal appointee will determine how the money is divided.

Non-related parties have few rights when it comes to claiming this money, so your partner could find that they are unable to access the financial compensation you had set aside for them after your death. By appointing your partner as a beneficiary, you ensure that your unmarried status won't affect your partner's ability to access any financial awards after your death.

2. List both you and your partner on any property deeds.

Many couples live together, even if they are unmarried. If you and your partner contribute equally to household expenses, it's important that any property you own be listed under both names. If only one partner is listed on a property deed and that partner passes away, the surviving partner could find that he or she has no right to claim the property in which the couple shared their lives.

If you don't want your partner to have to worry about the possibility that he or she will be kicked out of the home you share, be sure that both your names are listed as owners on the property deed, and have your attorney draft a "joint tenancy with right of survivorship" document to protect each partner's interest in the property.

Planning your estate can be a challenge, especially if you are in a committed, but unmarried partnership. Work with a lawyer at a law firm such as the Cormac McEnery Law Firm to ensure your partner is listed as a beneficiary on all insurance policies and that your property deed is listed under both partners' names to ensure your loved one won't have to deal with unnecessary stress should you pass away.

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7 November 2016