Love, Life, and the Law: Planning for Every Relationship Status with California and Colorado Estate Planning Attorney’s
We often think of estate planning as something for traditional nuclear families, but in 2026, love and family look different for everyone. Relationships are complex, beautiful, and sometimes messy.
The law, however, tends to be rigid. It has a default plan for you, but that default rarely accounts for modern relationships. Here's how to ensure your plan matches your reality, whatever that may be.
What Legal Rights Do Unmarried Partners Have?
If you're in a committed relationship but not legally married, estate planning isn't optional. It's critical. Without a plan, your partner has zero legal rights to make medical decisions for you or inherit your assets. In the eyes of the law, you're legal strangers.
You must have a will or trust and powers of attorney to grant them the same rights a spouse would have automatically. Without these documents, your partner could be excluded from your hospital room during a crisis and receive nothing from your estate, even after years together.
How Do You Protect Children in Blended Families?
"Yours, mine, and ours" is a common dynamic, but it can be a legal minefield. If you leave everything to your new spouse, you risk accidentally disinheriting your children from a previous relationship if your spouse later remarries or changes their will.
A trust can ensure your current spouse is cared for during their lifetime while locking in an inheritance for your children afterward. This balanced approach protects both your spouse and your children without forcing you to choose between them.
What Happens to Your Estate Plan After Divorce or Breakup?
Love sometimes changes, and when a relationship ends, your legal documents must change immediately. In many states, divorce automatically revokes gifts to a spouse in a will, but it doesn't always automatically remove them as a beneficiary on life insurance or retirement accounts.
If you're separated but not yet divorced, your estranged spouse still has full legal authority over you unless you update your powers of attorney. This gap period can be dangerous if your relationship has become contentious.
After a breakup, ensure you aren't still giving an ex-partner authority to make medical decisions or access your bank accounts. Many people forget about powers of attorney and healthcare directives when relationships end, leaving dangerous vulnerabilities in place.
Why Does Updating Your Plan Matter?
Regardless of your relationship status, having a plan says, "I love you enough to make this easy for you." Estate planning protects the people you care about and ensures your wishes are honored, whether you're married, unmarried, divorced, or in a blended family situation.
Your plan should reflect your current reality, not your past circumstances. Outdated documents can create confusion, family conflict, and unintended consequences that hurt the people you love most.
Creating a Plan That Fits Your Life
Estate planning in California and Colorado isn't one-size-fits-all. Your relationships deserve a customized approach that honors your unique situation and protects everyone you care about.
If your relationship status has changed, or if you're worried your plan doesn't reflect your current reality, we can help. Contact us at 719-424-3321 to schedule a consultation about updating your estate plan.
Still have questions or need help with your planning? At Michelle Goff Law Group, we proudly serve clients throughout the entire state of California—virtually! No matter where you are, there’s no need to drive to an office. We meet you where you’re comfortable, by phone or Zoom, to create an estate plan that truly fits your life. We also serve clients in Colorado. Contact us today at 719-424-3321 or click here to schedule your consultation.
