Gay and lesbian couples are walking down the aisle like never before, the 2011 Census suggests. The number of same-sex marriages nearly tripled bet...

What about folks who are not legally married? What if both of them contribute to the wealth, but everything is in only one person's name? Is there any recourse for the non-titled party? The short answer is "yes," and one of the most important cases in 2011, Kerr v. Baranow, clarifies exactly the correct approach in such matters.

A cohabitation agreement deals with a couple's rights and obligations in the event of a breakdown of the relationship. Cohabitation agreements are a terrific way of avoiding expensive and nasty disputes after a relationship fails since all of the parties' rights are spelled out in a contract.