According to the U.S. Census Bureau, growing numbers of American couples are deciding to cohabitate rather than marry. While this choice is personal and valid, it is also important to understand what legal and financial risks you may be taking by choosing not to marry.

This Fidelity article addresses common financial and estate planning issues unmarried couples face and offers four helpful tips to protect you individually and as a couple. These questions and considerations may help you determine how to address you and your partner’s finances, expenses, property and charitable giving intentions for now and in the future.

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning encourages you to consult your financial advisor or estate planning attorney as you plan for your future with your significant other. Please contact a member of our team if we can be helpful in any way.

About the author

Brandy Chieco

brandolyn.chieco@duke.edu

Brandy oversees marketing and communications, events and special initiatives for the Office of Gift Planning. She works closely with donors who are featured in Duke Magazine, the Blueprints blog and other publications. She also works closely with development teams, schools and alumni volunteers as part of our comprehensive reunion efforts. Prior to joining the team, Brandy worked in marketing, human resources and banking. She received her B.A. degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. When she is not in the office, Brandy enjoys local theatre, exploring the diverse Durham food scene and spending quality time with her husband and son.