Cohabitation Agreements: Unraveling the Legal Protections for Unmarried Couples

Subtleties of Cohabitation Agreements

A Cohabitation Agreement serves as a crucial legal safeguard for couples living together without being married. It outlines their rights and responsibilities, similar to a prenuptial agreement for legally married couples.

Defining Cohabitation Agreements

Cohabitation Agreements, also known as "common-law contracts" or "living together contracts," are written agreements between unmarried couples who intend to live together or are already cohabiting. These contracts provide a clear framework for managing various aspects of their relationship, such as property division, financial responsibilities, and dispute resolution.

Essential Elements of Cohabitation Agreements

Cohabitation Agreements typically cover a wide range of issues, including:

• Property division in the event of a separation or the death of one partner
• Allocation of household expenses
• Rights and responsibilities related to children (if any)
• Dispute resolution mechanisms