Co-Habitation
Are you looking to move in together with a sweet heart or a room mate? Before you do, see how a co-habitation agreement can keep the peace.
Co-Habitation
What is a co-habitation agreement?
A co-habitation agreement is typically used for a romantic couple living under the same roof, but it can also be used in a roommate situation; it can work to outline expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries of each party in the agreement. It can define who owns pets, items in the household, who will pay the bills, or other expectations. Depending on how it is written, it can define all the aspects a legal marriage may entail, or exclude such aspects. The co-habitation agreement can also define what should happen upon signature (like a signing bonus), or upon separation (such as a stipend [“palimony”], or splitting of the assets, or timeframe to move out).
Binding Contract for Boundaries
Most importantly, this binding contract is solidifying that you and the other person living under the same roof are not legally married, including common law marriage. If one party believed they were common law married, they may have an enforceable claim, and common law marriages that end must go through the same divorce process as a formerly married couple. Furthermore, if the party believes they are common law married, it can affect life and death hospital decisions while you are incapacitated, or inheritance flow of assets, possibly diverting assets away from your blood family.
Since this is a binding contract, both parties must fully understand the terms of the contract. Your lawyer will explain terms to you in plain terms, and make sure the written contract is clear and concise, to avoid any room for ambiguous interpretations that could cause conflict.
How can We Help You with a Co-Habitation Agreement?
Initial Agreements
Preparing a co-habitation agreement is easier and mutually beneficial while the couple trying to become closer. We can help create an agreement that satisfies and respects both parties.
Agreement Revisions
Life events, like the birth of a child, moving house, or even changing the relationship exclusivity to polyamourous, may initiate the need to revise the contracted expectations. We can help you update your co-habitation agreement as your life and relationship changes.
Work with a professional law firm to protect your parental rights and support your child’s best interest.