You've said, 'I do.' Now get yourself a lawyer if you haven't done so already. We're not talking about prenuptial agreements, per se. We're talking about make a sound investment in some legal advice to get yourself protected since "you remain strangers in the eyes of the federal government" even if you have exchanged vows.<,p>
Recently, MSN published an interesting story about financial planning for gay couples. It's a great summary of the financial and legal planning any unmarried couple should pursue.
Ask yourself these questions:
* Do you and your partner have wills and/or revocable living trusts?
* Do you and your partner have an advanced health directive and durable power of attorney for health care?
* Do you and your partner have a durable power of attorney for finances?
* Do you and your partner have a domestic partnership agreement? Or, have you registered for whatever partnership rights are available in your home jurisdiction?
* Have you and your partner designated each other as beneficiaries?
If you answered "No" to most of these questions or weren't sure what that legal-mumbo-jumbo means, read the MSN article and contact a lawyer in your area to learn more about what your rights are and what they are not.
Originally published on GayWeddingFodder.com, 2006.
