If you live with your partner but the two of you are not married, you should note that the cohabitation does not mean you have any legal rights when the two of you are to break up. While you may have gotten into the relationship without any expectations, living with someone for years on end does bring about a sense of responsibility for the household. From assets that were bought jointly to raising a child together, a breakdown of the relationship can bring about considerable upheaval to your daily life. Thus, it is in your best interests to have some legal protection from the start, even if you do not foresee the end of the relationship. This protection comes in the form of a cohabitation agreement. This article outlines just a couple of convincing reasons why you should have a family lawyer draft a cohabitation agreement for you and your partner.

Cost savings for the long-term

If you are not the provider in your relationship, you likely are sceptical about enlisting the services of a family lawyer since this will cost you money. But you need to keep the bigger picture in mind, as this document will save you a considerable amount of cash down the road. To begin with, by having a cohabitation agreement in place, you get to avoid the costs of engaging in legal action when your relationship disintegrates, as terms will already be stipulated in the document — not to mention the time and emotional trauma that this agreement will save you if you are to break up with your partner.

Demonstrating your privileges and obligations

The second reason why you should have a cohabitation agreement in place when living with your partner whilst unmarried is to have a clear establishment of what you are entitled to as well as your obligations. For example, perhaps you moved in with your partner and the property is in their name. You could decide to contribute to the mortgage payments since you are financially capable of doing so. However, when your relationship ends, you will not have any legal rights to the house, irrespective of the investment that you have made! With a cohabitation agreement, you can establish your privileges to the property in regards to the money you have put in. Additional issues that can be addressed in the agreement include individual responsibilities in regards to bills, financial contributions when raising a child together and so on. 

Contact a lawyer who practises family law to learn more.

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