Research Checklist

Use this checklist to organize your research before moving in with a partner. Remember: this is for educational purposes only - always consult an attorney.

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Before Moving In Together
  • Research your state's common law marriage laws
  • Understand your state's palimony precedents
  • Learn about cohabitation agreement enforceability in your state
  • Research property rights for unmarried couples
  • Understand how joint accounts and property titles work
  • Review lease and mortgage implications
Questions to Ask an Attorney
  • Does my state recognize common law marriage?
  • What happens to property if we separate?
  • Should I have a cohabitation agreement?
  • What are my palimony rights or obligations?
  • How should we title jointly purchased property?
  • What financial protections do I have without marriage?
  • How does adding my partner to the lease affect me?
  • What happens to shared debts if we separate?
Documents to Gather
  • List of all individual assets and their values
  • List of all individual debts and amounts owed
  • Bank account statements
  • Property deeds or titles
  • Vehicle titles
  • Lease agreements
  • Insurance policies
  • Retirement account statements
  • Investment account statements
State-Specific Research
  • Look up your state's family code or statutes
  • Research recent court decisions in your state
  • Find out if your state has specific cohabitation laws
  • Check if your state has a Uniform Premarital Agreement Act
  • Research how your state treats out-of-state agreements
  • Understand your state's contract law basics

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Important Note

This checklist is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws vary significantly by state and change frequently. Always consult with a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation.

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