While married couples enjoy a number of medical, legal and inheritance protections, there is a portion of the U.S. population that cannot do so.
As the definition of traditional relationships continues to expand and is redefined, new rights and benefits are changing to fit an altering social makeup. More couples nowadays are testing the domestic waters before committing to marriage -- or foregoing marriage altogether in favor of a more progressive approach to traditional unions.
Unfortunately, Federal law does not recognize them. The health insurance industry considers them high risk. The IRS penalizes them when more than $13,000 in assets is transferred between them. For these couples, navigating taxes, parental rights, medical powers of attorney or asset designations can be a tricky minefield.
Yet with a little planning, the financial well-being and final wishes of domestic partnerships can remain in the hands of their long-term partners. Here are tools that all
