Cohabitation Agreement: Purpose, Use, and How to Download the Right Template for Your State
A Cohabitation Agreement is a legally binding contract between two people who live together or plan to live together without marrying. Whether you are in a romantic relationship or sharing a household with another individual, this agreement helps define financial rights, property ownership, and responsibilities, giving both parties clarity and protection that is not automatically granted by law to unmarried couples.
What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement (sometimes called a living together agreement or non-marital contract) sets out how property, assets, debts, and expenses will be handled during the relationship and how they will be divided if the couple separates or in case of death. It can also address support obligations and arrangements for any children involved. The document is similar in purpose to a prenuptial agreement but is designed for couples who do not intend to marry.
Purpose of a Cohabitation Agreement
- Protect Financial Interests: Establishes who owns what assets and how jointly acquired property will be divided.
- Clarify Financial Contributions: Details how bills, rent, mortgage, and other expenses are shared.
- Prevent Disputes: Sets expectations for handling money, property, and debt, minimizing conflict in the event of separation.
- Provide Legal Certainty: Helps unmarried couples achieve protections similar to those married couples receive automatically.
- Plan for Children: Includes provisions for child support, custody, or guardianship if applicable.
- Specify Responsibilities: Outlines each party’s duties, including care, support, and decision rights.
- Prepare for Unforeseen Events: Covers what happens in case of illness, incapacity, or death.
Who Should Use a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Couples living together without marriage who want to protect their assets and financial wellbeing.
- Partners who want to clearly define ownership of property or financial responsibilities.
- Individuals who may have children from previous relationships and want to plan accordingly.
- People planning to buy property together or share significant purchases.
- Anyone seeking to avoid litigation and confusion during or after the end of cohabitation.
Key Components of a Cohabitation Agreement
- Identification of both parties.
- Description of current assets and property ownership.
- Rules for managing joint finances and expenses.
- Terms for division of property acquired during the relationship.
- Debt responsibilities and how liabilities will be handled.
- Provisions related to children’s financial support or custody issues.
- Guidelines for resolving disputes.
- Statements about what happens in case of separation or death.
- Signatures and notarization to ensure legal enforceability.
Why Use a State-Specific Cohabitation Agreement Template?
Cohabitation laws and contract requirements vary significantly among states. A state-specific template ensures:
- Compliance with local laws and legal standards.
- Inclusion of required language and formalities unique to your jurisdiction.
- Maximum enforceability of your agreement.
- Tailoring for state-specific property, inheritance, and financial rules.
- Protection from invalid or incomplete agreements.
How to Download the Correct Cohabitation Agreement Template for Your State
LawPassport.com offers professionally drafted, customizable cohabitation agreement templates tailored to your state’s laws and requirements. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit LawPassport.com.
- Select your state to find the appropriate cohabitation agreement template.
- Customize the form online with your and your partner’s specific details.
- Download, print, or digitally share the completed agreement to protect your rights legally and clearly.
Don’t leave your financial and property rights to chance. Sign up at LawPassport.com today to download the correct Cohabitation Agreement template tailored for your state, ensuring your living arrangement is secure and your interests are protected.
Read: Codicil – Download Template for Every State
