Cohabitation Agreements

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

Living together as a couple can be a wonderful experience, but it is essential to plan for the future. A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of two people who are living together or planning to live together. It serves to protect both parties’ interests by establishing guidelines for financial matters, property ownership, and other important issues.

The most common reason for a Cohabitation Agreement is if one or both people in a new relationship had significant assets before the relationship started, such as a house or a business. But they can also be used to set down mutual expectations for how finances will be handled during the relationship.

A typical Cohabitation Agreement covers:

• Financial Arrangements: Including how expenses will be shared, how joint assets will be managed, and how debts will be handled.
• Property Ownership: Specifying ownership rights to property acquired before or during the relationship and outlining how property will be divided if the relationship ends.
• Support Obligations: Determining whether spousal support will be paid and how much if the relationship ends, as well as how support will be adjusted if circumstances change.

Cohabitation Agreement, Marriage Agreement, or Prenup?

These three terms are sometimes used interchangeably. A “Cohabitation Agreement” usually refers to an agreement between unmarried people who live together. A “Marriage Agreement” is for people who have already married. A “Prenuptial Agreement” is for people who intend to marry.

Practically speaking, there is almost no difference between these agreements. If you ask our Family Lawyers to draft a Cohabitation Agreement and later decide to get married, you will not necessarily need to draft a new agreement, as we anticipate the possibility of marriage when we draft.

Customized Agreements Tailored to Your Needs

Just as every relationship is unique, so too should be your Cohabitation Agreement. Our experienced legal team will work closely with you to understand your specific circumstances, concerns, and goals. Our family lawyers in Victoria, BC, will draft a customized Cohabitation Agreement that reflects your wishes and protects your interests. Our goal is to create an agreement that provides clarity and security for both partners, promoting a healthy and harmonious relationship.

Legal Review and Enforceability

Ensuring that your Cohabitation Agreement is legally sound and enforceable is paramount. Our legal team will meticulously review the terms of the agreement to maximize the chances that it will be held up in court if ever challenged. Our family law lawyers will provide you with clear explanations of your rights and obligations under the agreement, empowering you to make informed decisions about your future. Our goal is to create a robust and enforceable agreement that provides peace of mind and security for you and your partner.

Please contact us to assist with any stage of your Cohabitation Agreement.