More and more couples are choosing to live together without getting married. While many individuals may think that this type of setup would be less stressful than a divorce in the event the relationship does not work out, that is not necessarily true.
Nonmarried partners who cohabitate do not have the same protections as married couples. Thus, when an unmarried couple splits, expensive legal disputes often ensue over finances and property.
If you want to live with your partner and avoid a costly legal battle should your relationship end, reach out to a Hamilton County cohabitation agreement lawyer. A dedicated family attorney could help bring security and peace of mind to your relationship.
A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract created by a couple who wishes to live together that protects each individual’s rights and ensures financial security for both parties in the event the relationship ends. This agreement provides nonmarried couples with similar protections to married couples without having to be legally wed.
A couple may consider drafting a cohabitation agreement if:
No matter the reason for the contract, a qualified Hamilton County lawyer could help a couple draft a cohabitation agreement that meets their specific needs.
A cohabitation contract is similar to martial agreements—like prenuptial and postnuptial agreements—in that it can be custom-tailored to a couple’s wants and needs. However, there are certain matters that cohabitation agreements commonly address, such as:
A cohabitation agreement can include a breakdown of who is responsible for paying for certain living expenses or whether they will be divided, such as:
A cohabitation contract should outline what property and debts each individual brought with them into the relationship. This may include things like:
As debts and property owned before the relationship should be outlined in a cohabitation agreement, so should any property or debts a couple acquires while together. This is so that, in the event of a separation, the couple has already designated who keeps what or is responsible for what.
A seasoned Hamilton County attorney could ensure that all relevant factors are included when drafting a cohabitation agreement for a specific couple.
If you and your partner wish to move in together but want to ensure each party’s rights are protected should the relationship end, you should contact a Hamilton County cohabitation agreement lawyer. A well-practiced attorney could ensure that your cohabitation contract is drafted correctly, fairly, and is legally binding. Call today to get started.