4 ms·

The big ones are hospital visitation rights, being able to file joint federal taxes, and estate planning and inheritance benefits.

• ohitsdom 11y ago
  I think estate planning and inheritance all could have been done before (you can leave your money/assets to whoever). This just ensures your spouse gets it even if you don't have a will.
  • matthewowen 11y ago
    There are spousal exemptions for inheritance taxes.
    • ohitsdom 11y ago
      Ah yes, taxes. Good point.
  • jgroszko 11y ago
    From what I understand, in some cases where the couple didn't do any estate planning the deceased partner's family could seize the deceased partner's property out of spite, sometimes leaving the surviving partner homeless or destitute.
  • millstone 11y ago
    Social security is one benefit that can only be inherited by a spouse. It cannot be willed to someone else.