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3 Things Unmarried Couples Get Wrong in Estate Planning

Unmarried and buying a home together? You’re not alone—and you’re also not automatically protected.

More couples than ever are choosing to build lives together without getting married. They buy homes, share expenses, and plan for the future. But when it comes to estate planning, many unmarried couples assume the law will treat them like spouses. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to devastating consequences.

Here are three common estate planning mistakes unmarried couples make—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Assuming Your Partner Automatically Inherits

One of the biggest misconceptions unmarried couples have is that their partner will automatically inherit their share of property if something happens to them.

Unlike married couples, unmarried partners have no automatic inheritance rights under Maryland law. If you die without a will or trust, your assets will pass according to the state’s intestacy laws—typically to blood relatives, not to your partner.

Mistake #2: Relying on Joint Ownership Alone

Many couples believe that putting both names on the deed is enough. While joint ownership can help in certain situations, it is not a comprehensive estate plan.

Joint ownership does not address incapacity. If one partner becomes ill or injured and can’t make decisions, the other partner may have no legal authority to manage finances, refinance the home, or make healthcare decisions without court involvement.

It also doesn’t protect against disputes. If one partner dies, creditors, family members, or even an estranged relative may still challenge ownership—especially if the property wasn’t titled correctly or other documents are missing.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the Possibility of Conflict

Estate planning isn’t just about death—it’s about life happening. Breakups, financial hardship, disability, and changes in relationships can all complicate shared ownership. Without clear legal instructions, disagreements can quickly turn into expensive and emotionally draining legal battles.

When there’s no plan in place, courts—not you—end up deciding how disputes are resolved. And those decisions often don’t reflect what either partner intended.

The Solution: Intentional Estate Planning

The good news? These risks are avoidable.

With thoughtful estate planning—such as a will, a trust, properly drafted powers of attorney, and clear ownership strategies—you can protect your home, your investment, and your partner. Estate planning allows you to define what happens if one of you dies, becomes incapacitated, or if circumstances change.

More importantly, it gives both partners clarity and peace of mind.

At the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, we help unmarried couples understand their options and put protections in place that reflect their real lives, not assumptions about the law.

If you want to make sure your home and the person you love are protected, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute assessment call with a member of our team. Planning now can save you—and your partner—from uncertainty later.

Information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and not intended to constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for help with your specific situation.

For assistance with Maryland and D.C. Estate Planning matters, contact the

Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

at 410-995-7719