A cohabitation agreement is a legal document between unmarried couples who are living together. It sets out arrangements for finances, property and children while you're living together and if you split up, become ill or die.
You can make an agreement at any time. It’s good to do it before you move in together. But you may want to consider one if you decide to have children or get a mortgage. Without one, you do not have many rights.
Cohabitation agreements can also be made between people who are not romantically involved for example, friends or siblings.
Reasons for a cohabitation agreement
You don’t automatically have rights like married couples even if you’ve lived together for a long time and have children.
So having a legal document like a cohabitation agreement can be useful, alongside a will, if one of you becomes seriously ill, dies or if you split up. It will protect you both, and any other family members who’ll be affected.
For example, an agreement can make sure you have:
A cohabitation agreement can also help you divide up bills and other responsibilities while you live together.
I am an Independent Financial and Mortgage Adviser and have worked in Financial Services for over 12 years. During my career I gained experience in assisting both individual and corporate clients.…
