Often overlooked, or put aside until later, is a compelling need to settle questions of legal ownership and rights when a couple enters into a non-married relationship involving (or likely to involve) the mutual use of separately acquired property or jointly held assets.

This can happen very easily. A relationship begins as mutual attraction, becomes something deeper, and moves to a level of affection that resolves into living together, all without real planning having occurred. By the time moving-in occurs, trust has developed. It may then seem that discussing how property will be held together, or what will be the disposition of property if the relationship ends is damaging in its own right. Yet this is just what should be done.

A recent article in U.S. News and World Report (online) in which Michele has been quoted, does an excellent job of pointing out the benefits of thinking ahead. By adding reasonable formality to a relationship that may evolve into marriage, a long-term partnership, or a lifetime together, (or may not), natural frictions and worries during periods of stress can be removed. A simple document will in most cases mean that if the event the relationship terminates in an unplanned manner, both parties can be protected and legal expenses reduced or removed.