Not every couple in Massachusetts chooses to get married. Not everyone believes that marriage is necessary. It is possible to just live together and build a wonderful life. However, without certain legal protections in place, those in domestic partnerships open themselves up to quite a few issues should their relationships fail to thrive.
What those in domestic partnerships have is, in many ways, just like being married but without the marriage certificate. These couples have families, share homes, obtain loans together, co-mingle funds and live their lives committed to each other. Just like married couples, they will fight and may grow apart, which may result in the ending of their relationships. If that happens, figuring out who gets the kids and how property is to be divided — among other concerns — can be difficult.
Domestic partnership agreements can be created to figure these things out long before the relationship falls apart. These agreements are very similar to prenuptial agreements and are legally binding. To learn more about domestic partnership agreements and how an attorney can help you create one, please take a moment to visit our firm’s website.
Marital status should not determine the type of legal protections couples in Massachusetts are offered. Those who have chosen to forgo marriage and simply live in committed domestic partnerships can do so knowing that, if things do not work out, they have taken the steps to protect themselves by seeking partnership agreements early on in their relationships. If you are interested in a domestic partnership agreement, an experienced family law attorney can help you make sure everything you need or want to include in this legal document makes the final cut.
