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Illinois Divorce and Family Law Weblog

Helping You and Your Family get through DivorceSM.
Weblog of DuPage County Attorney Raiford D. Palmer, focusing on divorce and family law.
(Copyright© 2005-2008 by Raiford D. Palmer. All rights reserved.) This blog is for advertising only and the contents are not legal advice.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

The Dangers of "Living Together" vs. marriage. Why would divorce be better?

In Illinois, living together grants you no special rights...whether you have had children together, bought a house, or lived together for thirty years! The only way to truly protect property rights between a couple in a committed relationship is through marriage. Illinois does not have "common law" marriage. In some states living together continuously for several years can provide legal rights similar to marriage. Illinois law is clear. Living together provides no duties or rights between the couple, no matter how long they live together. A member of a cohabiting couple can simply walk out after ten, twenty, or thirty years with no obligations to the "significant other."Married people have rights to an equitable division of marital debt and assets, potential for alimony (maintenance), and more. So, if you are in a committed relationship, get married. All you need is a license and a quick ceremony before a Judge.

You can always email me at Email, or call me directly at 630.434.0400 Ext. 165 to discuss any family law and divorce matter. We provide free in-person consultations, and professional, personal service.

posted by Raiford Palmer at 9:10 AM