The legal system hasn’t caught up with the times.

As a result, there is little consistency from state to state regarding the legal status of the millions of couples who live together without being married.

The trouble starts when the relationship ends and the partners disagree. You may have assumed that the car was yours because you bought it. The situation becomes very complicated, however, when you or your partner believe you had an arrangement – even an unspoken one – giving rights to each other’s property as well as property acquired together.

The least you should do is keep careful records of all significant expenditures and purchases, as well as cancelled checks for items you believe you own. Also, make sure all of your property is in your name only.

To truly protect yourself have a written document that spells out all aspects of the financial agreement between the two of you.