Moving In Together
Moving in together is an exciting step in your relationship! As your relationship becomes more serious, so too do the legal ramifications.
Whether you have been together one year, two years or more (or less!), moving in together signifies a big step forward in your relationship. In the event of an emergency, when you are married, access to your partner’s critical medical information is protected by the California Probate Code. California Probate Code Section 4716(a) states, “If a patient lacks the capacity to make a health care decision, the patient's domestic partner shall have the same authority as a spouse has to make a health care decision for his or her incapacitated spouse.” However, prior to marriage or domestic partnership, your significant other will not be allowed access to your health information or be able to speak with doctors about your condition in the event of a traumatic event or you have become incapacitated.
Living together also bestows a whole new layer of complexity into your relationship. Whether renting together, living together in a house one partner already owns or looking to purchase a new residence can create create a whole new source of disputes. Who pays the rent or mortgage? What happens if someone decides to vacate before the end of the lease? How will bills be split? A cohabitation agreement can set your relationship up for success by having these discussions ahead of time before leading to needless conflict.