Get started with your Cohabitation Agreement

What is a cohabitation agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document for couples who live together but aren’t married. It sets out how you’ll handle things like money, property, and shared responsibilities – both now and if circumstances change down the line.

It’s a practical way to make sure you’re both on the same page, with clear expectations and fewer surprises. Whether you’re renting, buying a home together, or just want to protect what matters, a cohabitation agreement gives you both peace of mind.

What does a cohabitation agreement involve?

Every cohabitation agreement is tailored to your relationship, but most include practical details like:

• Who owns what (like savings or property)
• How you’ll split bills, rent, or mortgage payments
• What happens financially if the relationship ends
• How shared responsibilities will be managed
• Rights to anything you’ve bought or built together

It’s not about preparing for the worst – it’s about making sure you both feel secure and respected in the life you’re building together.

Do you really need a family law attorney for a cohabitation agreement?

If you want the agreement to be legally sound, having an attorney can really help. An attorney will make sure the agreement is clear, enforceable, and tailored to your specific situation, so there are no grey areas and no surprises later on.

When should you hire a family law attorney for your cohabitation agreement?

It’s best to speak to an attorney before you move in together or start sharing major financial responsibilities. The more your life is financially or legally connected, the more important it is to have something in writing. Generally, you might want to consider a cohabitation agreement if:

• You have children together
• You share property or own a home jointly
• You’ve opened joint bank or investment accounts
• You split big expenses like mortgage payments

But even if you’ve already moved in, it’s not too late. If you’re talking about the future or making long-term plans together, it’s a good time to get legal support.

How can a family law attorney support a cohabitation agreement

Talking about finances and responsibilities can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. A family law attorney brings calm and a practical approach to these important conversations.

Advice you can trust

Every couple is different. Your attorney will take the time to understand your specific situation – whether you're renting together, buying a home, or simply want to protect your individual assets. They’ll explain your legal rights in plain English and walk you through your options without pressure or legal jargon. The goal is to reach an agreement that reflects your life together, not just a fill-in-the-blank form.

A fair and balanced agreement

A strong cohabitation agreement isn’t about one person “winning” – it’s about building clarity, fairness, and mutual understanding. Your attorney will help create terms that feel balanced, so there’s no confusion now or in the future. It’s a way to make expectations clear and avoid conflict before it starts.

Peace of mind

From how the agreement is worded to how it’s stored and signed, your attorney ensures everything is handled properly. That means fewer worries about disputes, misunderstandings, or whether the agreement will hold up if it’s ever needed. It’s not just about protecting assets, it’s about feeling secure in the decisions you’ve made together.

How much does a family law attorney cost for a cohabitation agreement?

Costs vary depending on how complex your situation is and how much negotiation is involved. At Lawhive, you get transparent prices with no hidden costs – you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for each step of the way, with no surprise bills or hidden fees at the end.

How long does the process take?

Most cohabitation agreements take around 2 to 4 weeks to complete. If your situation is more complex or you need time to review the terms together, it may take longer, but your attorney will keep things on track and at your pace. The sooner you start, the smoother it tends to be.

What you can expect from a Lawhive attorney

We'll start by taking the time to understand your situation and what legal help you need. Then, you'll get a clear idea of the costs involved with transparent prices at each step of the way. Then, when you're ready, your professional attorney will be on hand to help.

We work with experienced and vetted local counsel in your state. They’ll explain your options in plain English – no jargon, no stress – just clear advice that fits around your life. So, whether you’re planning for the future or simply want to protect what’s important, your Lawhive attorney is here to guide you calmly, clearly, and with your best interests at heart.

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