I’m a single guy with no plans to legally marry, but I’m thinking about moving in with someone. I’m curious about the legal risks here in Florida. Can living together be like being married when it comes to splitting assets, alimony, or anything like that? Would love to hear thoughts or experiences.
As far as I know, Florida doesn’t recognize common law marriage, so living together wouldn’t be like being married legally. But if you buy stuff together, it could get messy later.
Emil said:
As far as I know, Florida doesn’t recognize common law marriage, so living together wouldn’t be like being married legally. But if you buy stuff together, it could get messy later.
Good to know. So if I buy property just under my name, that should be safe?
@Toryn
Yeah, if it’s only in your name, it should be fine. Just keep it clear that it’s yours to avoid confusion.
You might want to consider a cohabitation agreement. It’s like a prenup but for living together. Could save you some headaches down the road.
Skyler said:
You might want to consider a cohabitation agreement. It’s like a prenup but for living together. Could save you some headaches down the road.
Sounds smart. Does it need to be notarized or something official?
@Toryn
Notarizing helps, but it doesn’t have to be filed anywhere. Just keeps things more legit if there’s ever an issue.
Be careful with promises, even verbal ones. Someone could claim you agreed to support them financially and try to go for ‘palimony.’
Uma said:
Be careful with promises, even verbal ones. Someone could claim you agreed to support them financially and try to go for ‘palimony.’
‘Palimony’? What’s that?
Uma said:
Be careful with promises, even verbal ones. Someone could claim you agreed to support them financially and try to go for ‘palimony.’
‘Palimony’? What’s that?
It’s like alimony for unmarried couples. Rare in Florida, but still something to watch out for.
If there are kids involved, that’s a whole different ballgame. Custody and child support laws would still apply.
Dylan said:
If there are kids involved, that’s a whole different ballgame. Custody and child support laws would still apply.
Yeah, no kids in the picture, but good to know in case that changes.
Honestly, best advice is to keep finances separate. No joint accounts, no shared property. Keeps things simple if it doesn’t work out.
Blake said:
Honestly, best advice is to keep finances separate. No joint accounts, no shared property. Keeps things simple if it doesn’t work out.
Totally agree. I’m planning to stick to that. Thanks!