<prompt> Human: My partner and I have begun discussing combining finances to simplify our lives. We are not married, both have excellent credit, little to no debt, similar values as far as how to spend money and great communication. We have discussed the day-to-day and long term spendingsaving goals to ensure were aligned. Here is where I need advice...How do I protect myself if anything were to happen to my partner?To give you more facts that might be helpful:He has a lot of assets retirement investments, savings, etc. My only real savings is the equity in the home I own currently rented out. He makes significantly more money than me, so we live in a house I wouldnt be able to afford on my own. He has a now adult son who is currently his beneficiary. What rights would his son have to money in a joint-bank account? Is marriage necessary to protect me or are there other ways e.g. my partners will?Although Im not going into this union with as much to offer financially, Im just wanting to make sure I would have enough to survive on my own and not lose my contribution due to it being funneled to someone else.Thanks in advance, reddit!  <response>: You need an estate attorney. Joint accounts would be yours. Your house would remain yours. Anything else is the kids. Marriage wont protect you except on future income. A will is what your partner probably needs assuming he wants to leave you assets that otherwise would go to his kid. 