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Family Law·Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreement

Agreement between unmarried partners defining property and support rights.

COHABITATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of [DATE], between [PARTNER A NAME] ("Partner A") and [PARTNER B NAME] ("Partner B"), collectively "the Partners."

1. PURPOSE

The Partners are in a common-law / cohabiting relationship and wish to define their respective rights and obligations regarding property, support, and finances during their relationship and upon its end.

2. RELATIONSHIP AND HOUSEHOLD

  • Cohabitation Start Date: [DATE]
  • Shared Residence: [ADDRESS]
  • [ ] The Partners intend to cohabit indefinitely.
  • [ ] Marriage is [PLANNED / NOT PLANNED].

3. SEPARATE PROPERTY

  • All property owned by each Partner prior to cohabitation remains their sole property.
  • This includes: [REAL PROPERTY / VEHICLES / INVESTMENTS / PENSIONS / BUSINESS INTERESTS].
  • Any increase in value of separate property belongs to the owning Partner.
  • Income from separate property belongs to the owning Partner.

4. SHARED PROPERTY

  • Property acquired during cohabitation using joint funds is owned [JOINTLY / AS SPECIFIED]:
  • The shared residence at [ADDRESS]:
    • [ ] Owned by Partner [A/B] solely
    • [ ] Owned jointly
    • Title holder(s): [NAME(S)]

5. FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

| Expense | Partner A Share | Partner B Share | |---------|-----------------|-----------------| | Rent/Mortgage | [%] | [%] | | Utilities | [%] | [%] | | Groceries | [%] | [%] | | Other: [ITEM] | [%] | [%] |

  • Each Partner shall contribute $[AMOUNT] per month to a joint account for shared expenses.
  • [ ] Bank accounts remain separate.
  • [ ] Joint account at [BANK] for shared expenses only.

6. DEBTS

  • Each Partner is responsible for debts incurred in their own name.
  • Joint debts: [LIST] — shared [EQUALLY / PER %].
  • Neither Partner shall incur debt in the other's name.

7. SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS

  • [ ] No spousal/partner support upon separation.
  • [ ] Support as follows: [DETAILS / FORMULA / DURATION]
  • This section does not affect child support obligations, which are determined by statute/guidelines.

8. CHILDREN

  • [ ] There are no children of the relationship.
  • [ ] Children: [NAME(S) AND DOB(S)]
  • This Agreement does not limit either Partner's obligations to children under applicable law.
  • Custody and parenting arrangements: [TO BE AGREED / AS SET OUT IN PARENTING PLAN]

9. INHERITANCE AND ESTATE

  • Nothing in this Agreement affects either Partner's right to make testamentary dispositions.
  • [ ] The Partners [WILL / WILL NOT] make Wills providing for each other.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  • The Partners shall attempt to resolve disputes through discussion first.
  • If unresolved, the Partners shall use [MEDIATION / ARBITRATION] before court.

11. INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE

  • Partner A has [OBTAINED / BEEN ADVISED TO OBTAIN] ILA from [LAWYER / TO BE OBTAINED].
  • Partner B has [OBTAINED / BEEN ADVISED TO OBTAIN] ILA from [LAWYER / TO BE OBTAINED].

12. GENERAL

  • Governing Law: [JURISDICTION]
  • Amendment: Only in writing, signed by both Partners.
  • Severability: If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remains valid.
  • Full Agreement: This is the entire agreement between the Partners.

Partner A: _______________________ Date: __________

Partner B: _______________________ Date: __________

Witness (A): _______________________ Date: __________

Witness (B): _______________________ Date: __________

Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a licensed lawyer in your jurisdiction before using or relying on this document.