Cohabitation Agreement
Couples who live together without plans to get married sometimes opt to draw up a cohabitation agreement to prevent misunderstandings later. They can do this either informally, using forms available online, or preferably with the help of a lawyer. Such agreements often state that each partner will get to keep property that he or she brought into the relationship if it ends. They may also include an explanation of how household expenses will be paid and how property bought together will be held and divided if the partners split up. Both partners must sign and date the agreement to give it the maximum legal weight and it is advisable for each party to take independent legal advice in cases which are not absolutely straightforward.
