Utah law doesn’t recognize “common law marriage” unless very specific court criteria are met. That means if you haven’t formalized your relationship through marriage or obtained a court declaration, your partner will not have default inheritance rights.

When one partner dies without a will, Utah’s intestacy laws decide who inherits the estate. Those laws prioritize spouses, children, and blood relatives, not unmarried partners. Even if you shared a home and built a life together, your partner could be left with nothing unless your plans are written and legally enforceable.

The most important step for unmarried couples in Utah is creating a valid will. A will lets you decide who receives your property and prevents the state’s intestacy rules from taking over. Each partner should clearly name the other as a beneficiary.

In addition, review all beneficiary designations on financial accounts, insurance policies, and retirement plans. These designations override what’s written in a will, so if your partner’s name isn’t listed, they won’t receive the funds.

Another way to protect each other is by structuring how you own property together. If you hold the title as “joint tenants with right of survivorship,” the surviving partner automatically owns the property when the other passes away. This arrangement works well for homes, vehicles, and certain financial accounts.

Be careful, though adding someone to a title or deed can have tax and legal consequences. It’s best to review the decision with an estate planning attorney before making changes.

When one partner is hospitalized or incapacitated, the other may have no legal right to make decisions without a power of attorney. Utah’s medical privacy laws restrict access even to long-term partners if they aren’t legally recognized.

• Health care power of attorney: lets your partner make medical decisions if you’re unable.
• Financial power of attorney: allows your partner to manage bills, property, and finances in emergencies.

These documents ensure your partner’s authority is respected in critical moments.

When an unmarried partner dies without a will, disputes often arise among surviving family members. Utah courts must follow intestacy rules that exclude non-spouses, no matter how close the relationship.

If you’ve contributed to shared property but it’s titled only in your partner’s name, proving ownership can be difficult. Keeping written records such as receipts and joint accounts helps protect your financial stake. A cohabitation agreement can further clarify expectations and ownership.