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I agree with your cousin. Depending on what state the property is in, without a pre-nup, the husband has equal rights to the properties. In some states, you have Dower Rights, in others Community Property. To throw a twist into it, certain states will have equal rights for the primary residence only. However, there are states where the "what's mine is mine" rule applies.
Without knowing the details, I would do the same if I were in her situation. I am unmarried (have always been single) and have three properties. I live in a Dower Rights state, so a potential spouse would only have rights to my primary residence, BUT that would be half ownership.
Your cousin is smart to keep it simple and clean.
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