[Lyra123]

Is there any way I can legally set up my finances, insurance, and so on similar to marriage benefits? Also, is there any way for me to legally take her last name?

(we are both adult females, very much so in love and committed to each other, looking for an alternative to marriage)

[beezyg87]

You can change your name through the courts to ANYTHING you want it to be in my state it costs about $500 dollars

[Lyra123]

Thank you very much

[beezyg87]

No prob

[Fr_Chuck]

Agree, you can go to the court and get a legal name change.

You can name them in the "living will" to make medical choices for you, or even a medical power of attorney for each other.

You make them in the will to get everything if you die.

But no, on some issues, health insurance they will not cover you as married.
You can be co-insured on car and home insurance have life insurance made out to each other. But you will not be able to file married on your taxes.

[ScottGem]

You don't even have to legally change your name. You can go but whatever name you want as long as there is no intent to defraud.

This site, which has info on domestic partnerships in PA, may help your with financial and insurance issues.

Domestic Partnership Benefits Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania, domestic partnership, Pennsylvania lawsuit, Pennsylvania law firm, Pennsylvania legal help, Pennsylvania legal advice, Pennsylvania Family Law & Immigration

[ebaines]

I would also point out:

1. You must continue to file federal and state taxes as single. Although it's possible to split reporting of income from jointly held financial accounts across two separate returns it's complicated, and so I would advise that you NOT set up joint accounts. A joint checking account is OK as long as it doesn't pay interest, or unless the person who is named as the principal holder is willing to report all the interest income on her tax return.

2. You can jointly own a home and both be named on a mortgage, no problem, although theres' a bit of a complexity in terms of how to deduct mortgage interest and real estate taxes across two separate returns. Again, these things can be worked out but adds complications. Be sure to think through what happens if one partner wants to move out, or if one wants to sell and the other doesn't, or if one partner can no longer afford her portion of the mortgage, insurance, utilities etc. Have those conversations before you buy a house.

3. Be careful about directing where you want your assets to go in case of death. At a minimum you should both have wills. You can also use "payable on death" designations for financial accounts, and name each other as beneficiaries on your IRA and 401(k) accounts. If you fail to do these things then your assets will go to your next of kin upon death, not your partner. And if you do go through a split down the road, be sure to update these designations with haste.

4. There is really nothing you can do about social security benefits - for example no survivor's benefits to a domestic partner.

[JudyKayTee]

Come to NY and get married here! Lots of couples from out of State are doing exactly that.

In October 2011 you posted about your mental health issues and explaining them to male dates. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dating...zy-600238.html

In Sept 2011 you were having male relationship issues. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/adult-...-o-599525.html

This relationship must be very new and in light of you describing yourself as "crazy" I trust you have thought out this new relationship. I'm not saying it isn't a good idea or a saving grace but you've appeared confused in the past and I wonder if this relationship isn't terribly new.

[ebaines]

Come to NY and get married here! Lots of couples from out of State are doing exactly that.

Of course that only helps if you contnue to live in NY (or one of the other states that recognize same sex marriage). It does not help at all with the federal tax complications, or federal social security benefits.

[JudyKayTee]

Of course that only helps if you contnue to live in NY (or one of the other states that recognize same sex marriage). It does not help at all with the federal tax complications, or federal social security benefits.

I didn't say it was a fix all. I also realize OP isn't interested in marrying. It was as much tongue in cheek as anything else.

Sorry if I went off topic.

[Lyra123]

Judy, I was interested in women far longer than men. I have had several relationships with both sexes but prefer women. I have recently lost interest in the opposite gender.