Cohabitation and Relationship Agreement

What a good one includes

• A comprehensive inventory of all individual assets and debts brought into the relationship, clearly stating who owns what.
• A detailed breakdown of how household expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and groceries, will be divided.
• Specific provisions outlining how any property purchased together during the cohabitation will be titled and funded.
• A clear protocol for resolving relationship disputes or disagreements about the agreement, such as committing to mediation first.
• A fair and structured plan for how joint assets, lease agreements, and shared pets will be handled if the relationship ends.
• A clause that schedules regular reviews of the agreement to accommodate major life changes like career shifts or having children.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until after moving in or buying a home to draft the agreement when pressure and financial commitments are already high.
• Failing to fully disclose all debts and assets, which can invalidate the document and erode mutual trust.
• Copying generic templates online that do not account for local jurisdiction laws regarding common-law relationships.
• Neglecting to include a protocol for pets, which often becomes the most emotionally painful point of contention.

Frequently asked questions