Are you living together with no intention of getting married? This episode is for you! Listen to some of the valuable reasons for creating a cohabitation agreement, a list of benefits, and, helpful solutions for challenging issues. You're about to understand why writing down your expectations and desires for your relationship, including obligations for the kids, is the best way to secure a happy future!

Let's just give living together a fancy name and you've got "cohabitation." Mix that with a contract and voila you've got a "cohabitation agreement!" So, now what?

This short primer gives you a simple definition and overview of the what these living together contracts are all about and why you may need one.

Can you imagine leaving your homeland, family and friends because you married a United States citizen, only to later find yourself a victim of abuse when you arrive? The good news is that there's help. The bad news is that it's a fairy common story. Join me for a conversation with immigration attorney Kathryn N. Karem from Houston, Texas for a discussion about what recourse is available to victims and under what circumstances.

How do we avoid growing apart in our romantic relationship? What are the causes of our disconnect? My guest, Annette Franks, M.Ed., LPC, CWC, is a nationally recognized corporate wellness coach and licensed professional counselor with over 35 years of experience working with couples, individuals, families, and companies. She shares how to actively invest in each other, what it means and how to do it. Tune in to learn how to keep your love alive at any age!

Have you, or someone you know, ever been asked to get married to help a friend get a “Green Card” or permanent residency status in the United States? This is called a “sham marriage” and there are many serious consequences for being involved in a scheme to defraud the Federal Government. Join me for a discussion with immigration attorney Kathryn Karam from Karam Immigration Law in Houston, TX for the straight story about what sorts of life changing results can happen from taking part in a sham marriage, and, several examples of why this is not a fast track solution to legal status.

Ever wonder what's in a prenup? You might think that it's all about the money, but there's more … a lot more. A prenuptial agreement should be uniquely crafted to fit your lifestyle, not only about how to split the income and investments. While finances may be the main focus, tune in for the clauses that most clients who have a prenup don't talk about among friends. My guest Texas family law attorney Robin Klein shares her insights as we peak into some of the most private and unusual issues we've encountered during our years of drafting marriage contracts.

Are you headed for a divorce, or, is your live in lover no longer loving and you can’t agree on who gets the pet? Well then, have a listen to see how courts will consider the issue. The approach will vary depending on your state of residence and whether you live in a community property state or a separate property state. Before spending a small fortune on litigation, listen to some valuable insights from my guest, Texas family lawyer Shannon Boudreaux who has handled these types of cases.

"Wonderful, horrible, wonderful, horrible..." Is this how you describe your relationship? Have you ever been stalked, manipulated, harassed, intimidated, or threatened for your safety by your mate or someone you're dating? Or has the one you love ever hit, slapped, kicked, or assaulted you with a weapon? Then this episode is for you.

Attorney Jasmine Bhatt with the Denton County Friends of Family, a non-profit organization serving the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Dallas, Texas, explains Protective Orders. She describes what a protective order includes, how to get one, under what circumstances you may be eligible, typical case scenarios, and more.

Did you know that sperm banks in the U.S. are completely unregulated? If you're considering Invitro Fertilization this episode is for you. My guest, family law Attorney Tabitha Charlton, shares her personal story about the many surprising and hidden issues she faced during her experience. Learn about the criteria for selecting a donor, how to go about it, what kinds of information is disclosed by the donor or verified by the bank, and the advantages and disadvantages of identity release. A must for anyone considering this option to conceive!

Cohabitation has become a new norm among many couples planning to get married, or, to give living together a try. Psychotherapist Tobie Oidtmann, M.A.,L.P.C.,C.Ht., offers clinical insights and her seasoned professional perspective about the not so obvious issues when the moving vans unload furniture to create a new living arrangement. Join me for a discussion of some surprising and unexpected facts around living together versus getting married, for both sexes.