SANTA CRUZ, CA—Most people have no idea how the law affects their personal relationships, including their finances, and may be surprised to learn which events can bring these rules into play against their knowledge or consent. This is definitely an area where knowledge is power, so to combat this problem, attorney Ed Sherman, award-winning author, family law expert, and founder of Nolo Press, has come out with another Nolo breakthrough—the Couples Contract.

This innovative relationship agreement is featured in The Couples Contract for a Lasting Relationship (for couples and their financial planners in any state), and Legal Essentials for California Couples (for California couples and their planners). These books explain what happens when any couple—whether living together, married, or in a domestic partnership—says "I Do" or moves in together. Sherman explains the vast body of rules that silently and invisibly go into effect, tells you when you need to know the rules, when you should tailor the rules by written agreement, and how to do it.

Here are some of the issues Sherman covers when discussing how the law affects relationships:

• Who owns income earned by either of you during the relationship
• Who can manage money and assets
• Who owns debts incurred by either of you before or during the relationship
• Who owns property acquired during the relationship
• Who inherits if there is no will
• Who is included in the retirement plan

How a Couples Contract can protect your assets and limit your risk

Sherman's Couples Contract is a relationship agreement that is written in loving language with positive and constructive features to emphasize the couple's commitment. It includes optional financial variations that allow a couple to decide how they want their assets to be handled instead of defaulting to California law. There are many instances where it would be advantageous for couples to create a Couples Contract with financial clauses to suit their circumstances. Financial tailoring can make special arrangements for such things as:

• A spouse who is heavily in debt, a spendthrift, or in a risky business
• A spouse who gives up a career to stay home and care for an in-law
• Children of a prior relationship
• A separate business or professional practice
• A couple getting married near or during retirement
• Personal preferences that are different from California law

"Financial issues are the cause of more than 50% of all relationship failures. That's why this book is a must-read for couples, therapists and financial advisors. Following the wisdom in these pages will save relationships."
            —William C. Cuthbertson, MBA, CFP, The Fiscalis Group

Sherman's presentations of "The Couples Contract in Financial Planning" at both the NAPFA and Pride Planners National Conventions in 2005 also received enthusiastic reviews.

Written in warm, clear language anyone can understand, each book includes a CD with clauses and files to build a Couples Contract, along with many variations couples can adopt for their specific needs and desires.



Title: The Couples Contract for a Lasting Relationship
ISBN 0-944508-58-8
Authors: Ed Sherman and Bruce Janke
208 pages, Trade Paperback + CD-ROM, 7 x 9
Price: $24.95

Or, for Californians...

Title: Legal Essentials for California Couples
ISBN 0-944508-54-5
Authors: Ed Sherman & Susan Cameron
284 pages, Trade Paperback + CD-ROM, 7 x 9
Price: $24.95

Sherman's insights and practical advice are sure to entertain and educate. Call today to schedule an interview. Media kits and review copies available on request.

Online Press Room
Interview questions
What experts say about the Couples Contract
Read a sample chapter

Call 800-464-5502 for an interview, or email sandra@nolotech.com for more information or a review copy.

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