Free Cohabitation Agreement Template: A Legal Guide For Unmarried Partners

A cohabitation agreement, often referred to as a domestic partnership agreement or living together agreement, is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which two unmarried individuals choose to live together. This agreement is crucial for couples who wish to establish clear expectations regarding their financial affairs, property rights, and other important matters.

Key Components of a Cohabitation Agreement

A well-crafted cohabitation agreement should include the following essential elements:

1. Identifying Information

Names of the Parties: Clearly state the full legal names of both parties involved in the agreement.

Date of Agreement: Specify the exact date the agreement is signed.

Recital: A brief introductory statement that explains the purpose of the agreement and the parties’ intent to enter into a cohabitation relationship.

2. Property Ownership and Management

Jointly Owned Property: If the parties plan to purchase property together, outline how ownership will be divided. Consider options such as joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or community property.

Separate Property: Clearly identify any property that each party brings into the relationship and declare that it remains their separate property.

Property Acquired During Cohabitation: Specify how property acquired during the relationship will be owned and managed. This may include joint ownership, separate ownership, or a combination of both.

Debts and Liabilities: Address how debts and liabilities incurred during the relationship will be handled. This may involve joint responsibility or separate obligations.

3. Financial Matters

Household Expenses: Determine how household expenses, such as rent, utilities, and groceries, will be divided. Consider options like equal contributions, percentage-based contributions, or one party assuming primary financial responsibility.

Joint Accounts: If the parties plan to open joint bank accounts, outline how these accounts will be managed and accessed.

Separate Accounts: Specify if each party will maintain separate bank accounts.

Gifts and Inheritance: Address how gifts and inheritances received by each party will be treated.

4. Domestic Responsibilities

Household Chores: Outline how household chores and responsibilities will be divided between the parties.

Childcare: If there are children involved, address childcare arrangements, including custody, visitation, and financial support.

5. Dispute Resolution

Mediation or Arbitration: Specify a preferred method for resolving disputes that may arise. This could include mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

6. Termination of the Agreement

Termination Events: Outline the circumstances under which the agreement can be terminated. This may include separation, marriage, or the death of one party.

Property Division: Specify how property will be divided upon termination of the agreement.

7. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Governing Law: Indicate the state or jurisdiction whose laws will govern the agreement.

Jurisdiction: Specify the court that will have jurisdiction over any disputes arising from the agreement.

8. Signatures

Signatures of Parties: Both parties must sign the agreement at the end to indicate their acceptance of its terms.

Design Elements for a Professional Template

To create a cohabitation agreement that conveys professionalism and trust, consider the following design elements:

Clear and Concise Language: Use simple, straightforward language that is easy to understand. Avoid legal jargon or technical terms that may confuse the parties.

Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including font size, line spacing, and margins.

Professional Layout: Use a professional-looking template with a clean and uncluttered layout.

Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to organize the content and make it easier to navigate.

White Space: Incorporate white space to improve readability and make the document visually appealing.

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By carefully considering these components and design elements, you can create a comprehensive and professional cohabitation agreement that effectively protects the rights and interests of both parties.