Legal Ramifications of Elderly Cohabitation: Necessity for Recognition of Its Implications by Family Psychotherapists

SUMMARY. This paper views cohabitation among the elderly from a legal perspective and presents realities of which many family practitioners may not be aware. Five key areas that the therapist and his or her clients should recognize will provide a foundation for under-

standin~ the responsibilities and potential legacy of the cohabitation. By deSign, this paper should contribute to the avoidance of the costly and unpleasant resort to legal suit. An appended list of 28 legally-oriented items should be considered at the outset of cohabitation.