Under the laws of most states, including Pennsylvania, unmarried partners are legal strangers. Unmarried partners are denied the rights automatically granted to married couples regarding inheritance rights, the ability to make financial and medical decisions for one another, and to obtain medical information about one another in the event of an emergency. Moreover, unmarried partners cannot make use of divorce law and family courts to divide property in the event of separation. Indeed, unmarried couples in Pennsylvania are denied the more than 1,100 federal and 680 Pennsylvania benefits and protections that are available to married couples.
Therefore, in order to obtain legal protections, these couples must take the initiative to draft legal documents or, in some situations, to go through court proceedings.
Even in New Jersey, where civil unions are now available, same-sex couples may need additional legal documents to protect their families and their assets.
The attorneys of Jerner & Palmer, P.C. are experienced in pursuing court actions and creating legal documents for LGBT partners as well as unmarried heterosexual partners to safeguard these families. Such representation includes estate planning, cohabitation agreements, name changes, adoptions, second-parent adoptions, pre-birth orders and assisted reproduction contracts and court proceedings.
Out-of State Registered Domestic Partnerships, Civil Unions and Marriages
Same-sex couples sometimes celebrate their commitment by obtaining a civil union or marriage or by registering as domestic partners in a different state. The variety of legal unions and their legal effects in your home state can be confusing. In fact, in states like Pennsylvania, where such unions are not recognized, out-of-state legal unions can have unforeseen negative consequences. The attorneys of Jerner & Palmer, P.C. can provide individualized legal advice to help you navigate such challenges if you are contemplating or have obtained out-of-state legal recognition of your relationship. For general information about the impact of out-of-state civil unions and same-sex marriages on residents of states that do not recognize these relationships here.
Cohabitation Agreements and Real Estate Agreements
A Cohabitation Agreement (also known as a Domestic Partnership Agreement) is a contract between unmarried partners which sets forth each partner's financial responsibilities and obligations to the other during the course of the relationship. The Agreement also sets forth the rights and obligations of the parties in the event that the parties separate.
A Real Estate Agreement is a contract that governs the respective financial and property rights of property owners with respect to a particular piece of real estate. These agreements may be a good option for gay or lesbian members of the military and certain clerical orders. The attorneys of Jerner & Palmer, P.C. can advise clients with these concerns about whether a real estate agreement may be appropriate for them.
Name Changes
Some couples choose to celebrate and reflect their family commitment by having one or both partners change their last name. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, individuals can go through legal proceedings to change their last name to their partner's last name, to a hyphenated last name or to a totally new last name.
For more information call us at (215)843-6000 or at (856)817-6030 or fill out our Contact Form.
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