Let’s be real: life throws curveballs when we least expect it. A sudden illness, an accident, or even just the need for someone to handle the bills while you’re out of commission can turn into a major headache if you’re not legally prepared—especially if you and your partner are unmarried.
Here’s the thing: without legal paperwork in place, your partner might as well be a stranger to the hospital or the bank. They don’t get a say in your care, they can’t access your accounts, and they might not even get basic updates about your condition. It’s frustrating and, honestly, unfair—especially for same-sex couples living in states where rights can be revoked or are legally unprotected.
The good news? A Power of Attorney (POA) is your golden ticket to sidestep all of that drama and protect your relationship, no matter what life throws at you.
What is a Power of Attorney, Anyway?
A Power of Attorney is a simple legal document that gives someone you trust (in this case, your partner!) the authority to act on your behalf in specific situations. There are two main types:
Medical Power of Attorney: Lets your partner make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t.
Financial Power of Attorney: Allows your partner to manage your financial matters, like paying bills, handling your bank accounts, or managing your property.
With these in place, your partner gets the legal authority to step in when it matters most.
Why Unmarried Couples Need POAs
If you’re not legally married, the law doesn’t recognize your partner as your next of kin. That means:
Hospitals may block them from making medical decisions or even getting updates about your condition.
Family members you haven’t seen in years could suddenly step in and take control.
Financial institutions won’t let your partner handle even basic transactions on your behalf.
For same-sex couples in particular, this lack of legal protection can feel like an extra slap in the face—especially in states where LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. A POA is a way to say, “Hey, this is my person, and I trust them to take care of me if I can’t.”
How a POA Can Help in Real Life
Imagine this: you’re in a car accident and can’t speak for yourself. Without a medical POA, the hospital might defer to your parents or a sibling—even if your partner knows your wishes better than anyone else. Or maybe you’re out of town, and a big bill is due. Without a financial POA, your partner can’t access your account to pay it, leaving you with late fees or worse.
With POAs in place, these problems vanish. Your partner can step in seamlessly, ensuring your wishes are followed and your responsibilities handled.
How to Get Started
Getting a POA is easier than you think! Here’s how:
Talk to Your Partner: Discuss what each of you would want in an emergency.
Work with an Attorney or get started with us here.
Keep Copies Handy: Make sure both of you have copies of your POAs and share them with key institutions, like your doctor’s office or bank.
Protecting What Matters Most
At the end of the day, love is love—but unfortunately, the law doesn’t always see it that way. Powers of Attorney let you take control and ensure that the person you trust most is the one who’s there for you when it counts.
Don’t leave it up to chance or outdated laws. Whether you’re in a same-sex relationship, a long-term partnership, or just not into the whole marriage thing, a POA is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to protect your relationship.
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