In the U.S., there are a growing number of unmarried couples moving in together and starting families without a formal marriage. Marriage provides many legal protections and personal benefits that unmarried cohabitants do not receive, but unmarried couples can still protect themselves legally and financially with a Cohabitation Agreement.

A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal contract that offers financial protection for both parties in the event their cohabitation ends. The agreement cannot and does not provide all the financial and legal benefits gained from a marriage, but it offers several important benefits to couples that want to ensure their financial security without getting married.

The most important benefit of a Cohabitation Agreement is that it can clearly define financial responsibilities regarding income, expenses and debt. This can help reduce disagreements during cohabitation, and also make the division of debt and financial responsibilities easier after the relationship has ended.

Additionally, Cohabitation Agreements can help establish true ownership of property and other assets acquired during the relationship. Couples can decide in advance who will get to keep specific assets such as real estate, vehicles, pets, art, furniture, jewelry, or other property, thus avoiding contentious and costly litigation down the road.

Finally, Cohabitation Agreements are mutually beneficial to both parties to avoid potential misunderstandings of future financial obligations or conflicting expectations. For example, an individual might claim after a breakup that their wealthier partner made implied or oral agreements promising future financial assistance. Cohabitation Agreements offer a written legal form of future obligations and responsibilities to ensure both parties are on the same page.

Christiansen Law Firm can help couples in the Houston and San Antonio areas in need of Cohabitation Agreements to protect their assets and financial security. The Family Law attorneys of Christiansen Law Firm have extensive experience defending the legal rights of their clients, and can ensure that all needs and responsibilities are clearly defined in an amicable way. Contact Christiansen Law Firm today for more information, or to schedule an appointment.