Free legal advice you need now; live by these five easy rules if you want to safeguard your future, says legal analyst Greta Van Susteren, host of the Fox News Channel's On the Record. (On My Mind).(Brief Article)(Column)

* Law-school applications may be on the rise, but most young women still don't know how to protect themselves legally. Often, that ignorance can lead to costly and painful mistakes, which can set you back for years. But you don't have to learn things the hard way--making smart decisions now will help you dodge disasters down the road. Here are the five most important things you need to know.

don't "pretend" to be married

More couples are living together without tying the knot. If you decide to play house, just make sure you don't buy one together ... or make any other major joint purchases. If you split up, there's no saying who gets what unless you draw up a legal agreement beforehand. It's an equally bad idea to merge finances or put each other's names on bills and investment accounts. And if you do decide to get hitched, draw up a prenuptial agreement, even if you're not filthy rich. Think of it as a test of your willingness to work out money issues before the "I dos." It'll make your marriage healthier in the long run.

do some parental planning

Make sure your parents have a will. The thought of a parent dying is painful, so many people avoid confronting that reality. But the absence of a will can create a major family rift. One way to bring it up with your parents is to start talking about what you'd want to happen if you passed away. Also, make sure your parents have figured out what they want to do after they retire or if and when they need elder care. When the time comes to look after them, it will be a great relief to you to have a plan to put into action.

don't mix business with pleasure

As you climb the career ladder, it's very important to remember that your workplace is just that: a ...