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Schwartzberg Law | Experience That Matters | Since 1985

Experience Matters
When Protecting What You Have Worked Hard To Build

Experience Matters

Experienced Attorneys Protecting The Rights Of Unmarried Couples In New Hampshire

Many couples in New Hampshire choose to build a life together – buying homes, raising children and accumulating assets – without the formal structure of marriage. While this choice reflects personal values, the law does not provide unmarried partners with the same rights as married couples. At Schwartzberg Law, we provide the in-depth oversight needed to clarify these rights and prevent future conflict.

Proactive Protection Through Cohabitation Agreements

Without a marriage certificate, there is no “marital estate.” If a relationship ends or a partner passes away, the law does not instinctively know how to divide a shared bank account or who has the right to remain in a shared home. This ambiguity is a frequent source of expensive and emotionally draining legal battles.

A cohabitation agreement functions as a private contract that defines each partner’s rights and responsibilities. A well-tailored document provides a roadmap for:

  • Asset and debt allocation: Clearly defining which assets are “joint” and which remain “separate.” It also names who is responsible for specific liabilities, such as mortgages or personal loans.
  • Incapacity planning: Establishing who has the legal authority to make medical and financial decisions if one partner becomes unable to do so.
  • Legacy and inheritance protection: Helping ensure that if one partner dies, the survivor is protected and the intended heirs receive their portion of the estate without a title dispute.

Since 1985, our attorneys have helped couples draft these comprehensive documents to answer critical questions before a crisis arises.

Clarifying Property Ownership And Joint Titles

If you own a property, you might hold the title as “Joint Tenants” or “Tenants in Common.” However, the type of your title drastically changes your legal standing. Many owners realize too late that their deed ignores their actual financial contributions. It may also fail to reflect their long-term intentions for the property.

As your lawyer, we dissect your deeds and financial arrangements. Our team helps you understand your current ownership structure. If needed, we draft agreements to reflect nonmonetary contributions or unequal payments, recognizing and defending your home investment.

Resolving Disputes Through Partition Actions

When unmarried joint owners decide to separate or cannot agree on the management of a property, they may find themselves at a stalemate. Unlike a divorce court, which can equitably divide a house, property law for unmarried individuals is often rigid.

If you cannot reach a mutual agreement, our attorneys assist with partition actions. This is a legal process where the court intervenes to resolve the deadlock. The court will either divide the property or order a fair sale. This legal path provides a definitive exit strategy when co-owners can no longer move forward together.

Secure Your Future Through Informed Legal Planning

Do not leave your partnership or your major investments to chance. At Schwartzberg Law, we provide the thorough analysis needed to build a cohabitation agreement or resolve a complex partition. We can work with you in-person or remotely to establish your protective legal framework. Upon completion, you will receive a secure digital copy of your plan for easy access. We also provide a leather-bound binder for your permanent home records.

Experience the confidence of professional oversight for your agreements and property rights. Call us at 603-346-4557. You can also contact us online to schedule your in-depth planning session with a trusted Plymouth family attorney.