Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreement

This Cohabitation Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Date], by and between:
[Partner A Full Legal Name], residing at [Address] (“Partner A”), and
[Partner B Full Legal Name], residing at [Address] (“Partner B”),
(collectively referred to as the “Partners”).

1. Purpose and Intent

The Partners wish to live together in a domestic relationship and, to avoid future misunderstandings, wish to set forth their respective rights and obligations regarding property, income, debts, expenses, and related matters. Both Partners acknowledge that this Agreement is made in good faith, with the intention of fostering fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.

2. Separate Property

2.1 Each Partner’s Separate Property includes all assets they owned prior to this Agreement, and any assets later acquired individually through gift, inheritance, or with funds traceable to their Separate Property.
2.2 Separate Property remains the sole property of that Partner, free from claims of the other, unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing.
2.3 Examples include personal savings accounts, professional equipment, inheritances, and family heirlooms.

3. Joint Property

3.1 “Joint Property” refers to assets the Partners acquire together during the relationship with the intention of joint ownership.
3.2 Unless otherwise documented, Joint Property is owned equally (50/50). If contributions differ and are documented, ownership shall reflect those contributions.
3.3 Examples may include household furniture, jointly purchased vehicles, or property acquired in both names.

4. Residence and Household Expenses

4.1 The Partners will reside at [Address] (the “Residence”).
4.2 All housing costs (rent or mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and similar expenses) shall be divided as follows: [insert percentages or fixed amounts].
4.3 Shared living expenses such as groceries, internet, and cleaning services will be handled through [a joint account / monthly reimbursements / other method].

5. Bank Accounts and Debts

5.1 Each Partner may maintain separate accounts for personal income and expenses.
5.2 If a joint account is created, it shall be used exclusively for mutually agreed household or joint expenses.
5.3 Debts incurred individually remain the responsibility of the individual Partner. Debts jointly undertaken (such as co-signed loans) will be shared as agreed in writing.

6. Major Purchases and Improvements

For major purchases exceeding [Dollar Amount], including household appliances, vehicles, or renovations, the Partners shall agree in writing beforehand. Ownership shall be based on financial contributions unless otherwise agreed.

7. Income, Taxes, and Records

Each Partner retains control of their own income. Unless legally permitted and jointly chosen, the Partners will not file joint tax returns. Each Partner is responsible for their own tax obligations and record-keeping.

8. Health, Insurance, and Emergencies

Each Partner is responsible for maintaining their own health insurance unless otherwise agreed. The Partners may choose to execute healthcare directives or durable powers of attorney to grant one another decision-making authority in case of emergency.

9. Privacy and Personal Property

Personal effects such as clothing, digital devices, professional tools, and personal documents remain the property of the individual Partner. Both Partners agree to respect each other’s privacy, including electronic communications and personal spaces.

10. Pets

Ownership and financial responsibility for pets shall follow written designation. If jointly owned, the Partners agree to share expenses and, in case of separation, determine custody arrangements in the best interest of the animal(s).

11. Dispute Resolution

The Partners agree to first resolve disputes amicably through discussion. If unresolved, they shall participate in mediation with a neutral third party before initiating legal proceedings, unless emergency court relief is required.

12. Separation; Division of Assets

12.1 In the event of separation, the Partners shall:

• Provide written notice of intent to separate.

• Compile an inventory of Joint Property and debts within [X days].

• Divide Joint Property in proportion to contributions, or equally if contributions are not documented.

• Arrange buyouts or sale of jointly owned property if one Partner wishes to retain it.

12.2 Each Partner shall remove personal belongings within [X days] and cooperate in closing joint accounts and transferring utilities.

13. Support

Unless explicitly stated in this Agreement, neither Partner shall owe the other spousal support, alimony, or maintenance after separation. Any temporary support must be agreed in writing.

14. Estate Planning and Beneficiaries

This Agreement does not replace wills, beneficiary designations, or other estate planning documents. Each Partner is encouraged to execute such documents to reflect their wishes regarding inheritance, medical decisions, and end-of-life planning.

15. Disclosure and Independent Advice

Both Partners affirm that they have disclosed their material assets, liabilities, and income, and that they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice before signing this Agreement.

16. Term and Termination

This Agreement becomes effective upon signature by both Partners and remains valid unless modified by written agreement or terminated by mutual consent. If the Partners marry or enter into a civil union, this Agreement may terminate automatically unless replaced by a marital/civil agreement.

17. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State/Province of [Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict-of-law rules.

18. Entire Agreement and Amendments

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Partners and supersedes all prior verbal or written agreements regarding cohabitation. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Partners.

19. Signatures

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Partners have executed this Cohabitation Agreement as of the date first written above.

Partner A: ______________________________
Name: __________________________________
Date: __________________________________

Partner B: ______________________________
Name: __________________________________
Date: __________________________________

20. Notarization (if required)

This Agreement was acknowledged before me on [Date] by [Partner A] and [Partner B].

Notary Public: ___________________________
My Commission Expires: _________________