Cohabitation Agreements
Outlining Expectations for Your Future Together
Many unmarried couples are choosing to live together rather than formally marry. If this is something you are contemplating, it is in the best interest of you and your partner to clearly set expectations, both financially and otherwise, when you move in together by creating a cohabitation agreement.
Cohabitation agreements are mutually beneficial to both parties and are not exclusive to the wealthy. These agreements often define the relationship between the parties, preemptively address possible issues if the relationship is severed by choice or by death, and provide peace of mind in the event that the circumstances surrounding your relationship change.
At Goranson Bain Ausley, our attorneys understand the cohabitation laws in Texas and how to help unmarried couples clearly define their expectations and protect their assets. A cohabitation attorney from our firm can work with you to identify your concerns, discuss your options, and determine the right strategy going forward, whatever that may entail for you and your family.
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?
Similar to a prenuptial agreement, cohabitation agreements outline a couple’s expectations during the course of their relationship and in the event that it comes to an end. A few things cohabitation agreements can outline are:
- That you are not then married, have no intention of being common-law married, or will only be married in a formal ceremony if you ever choose to be married
- How property accumulated during the relationship should be treated and possibly divided if the relationship severs
- Who owned what prior to moving in together
- How expenses will be paid going forward
- Will any property, like a residence, be purchased together while living together?
- What happens to money and property if the relationship ends due to separation or death
- Who has to move from a jointly owned or leased residence if the relationship ends
- How conflict should be resolved if there is a dispute
Need Help?
If you are looking for a trusted family lawyer to help you create a cohabitation agreement, we are here to help. Please get in touch with us by completing the form below.
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Who Benefits from a Cohabitation Agreement?
All couples can benefit from a cohabitation agreement, whether they are wealthy or not. A cohabitation agreement in Texas can help to define the relationship between the parties, preemptively address possible issues if the relationship is severed by choice or by death, and provide peace of mind in the event that the circumstances surrounding your relationship change. The longer you live together, the more likely you both are to accumulate money, property, and debt that can be difficult to separate in the event of a breakup. If you have children together or have children from prior relationships, there may be other issues that need to be discussed as part of a non-marital cohabitation agreement in Texas. And in some instances, one partner may find that they have to defend against an allegation of common-law marriage, which is recognized in Texas and is the same as if you had married in a formal marriage ceremony. At a minimum, a cohabitation agreement can help couples avoid expensive and extensive legal consequences if one partner tries to assert that the parties are actually married and not just living together. Couples who expect a long-term unmarried relationship or who are in a long-term relationship tend to get a cohabitation agreement in Texas for these reasons.
A Goranson Bain Ausley Attorney Can Help With Your Texas Cohabitation Agreement
Even if you and your significant other have an agreement in mind, it is important to speak to a family law attorney. While you may have an informal and/or unwritten agreement, it may make you vulnerable to gaps or allegations of ambiguity. Legal cohabitation agreements can be enforced if you need to pursue legal action; informal agreements cannot. Working with one of our experienced family law attorneys can help protect you, your interests, and your finances and can help you avoid potential problems down the road. Our Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, Midland, and Plano family lawyers have the skill and knowledge you need to create a durable cohabitation agreement in Texas that will give you and your partner clarity and peace of mind about the future.
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