ead Families — Major Changes Should Consider Legal Checkup (NPS)—“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage...” While this childhood rhyme maystill be sung on playgrounds today, in practice, the modern merican family no longer fits this traditional model. Nontraditional families today are changing faster than the law can sometimes keep up. mericans point to divorce as the biggest factor hurting families today, outpacing other changes in family structure such as same-sex or dual-career couples, according to a recent survey conducted by Martindale-Hubbell’s lawyers.com from LexisNexis, in conjunction with REDBOOK magazine. nd a full 85 percent of those surveyed say they don’t know enough about family law issues. “It’s a good idea for all adults to get a legal checkup every three to five years—or soonerif you’ve had a major life event like having a child—just like you’d see a doctor for a physical,” said lan Kopit, legal editor for lawyers.com. Lawyers.com is the most comprehensive and trustworthy online resource for finding lawyers and legal information. Whether you're ready to hire a lawyer or have a long-standing relationship with one, you should discuss these three things: Protect your kids. Even if you don’t have lots of money,it’s a good idea to make a will saying who you would like to take care of your kids in case anything happens to you. If you travel, consider giving someone the power to make The typical family structure has changed, leaving mericans unaware about how to legally protect themselves. medical decisions for your children in an emergency. Protect your property. will can make sure your property goes to the person you want to have it, in the case of your death. This is especially important if you're not legally married. Double-check the beneficiaries on your life insurancepolicies and retirement savings to make sure they agree. If you’re getting married, consider a prenuptial agreement to cover any assets. If you’re living together, you can makea co-habitation agreement defining your financial arrangements. Protect your health. Designate the person you want to make health care decisions for you if you can’t. This is known as a health care powerof attorney. living will states how you want end-of-life decisions made. This way you will know your wishes are understood. For more information or to find the right lawyer for your needs, visit www.lawyers.com.
