A cohabitation agreement can make clear the intentions of the couple living together and help avoid legal battles later over whether or not they are married because of  questions similar to whether or not there was a common law marriage.  An agreement when a couple lives together can also clarify whether or not they intend to be married, their understandings and expectations as well as  other common-law or informal marriage issues. Unlike married couples, cohabiting couples in Texas do not automatically have legal rights to each other’s assets, income, or obligations to each other during or after a breakup.

A cohabitation agreement for a couple can:

• Clarify financial responsibilities during the relationship.
• Define property ownership and division if the relationship ends.
• Establish obligations for expenses, debts, and shared assets.
• Protect individual assets acquired before or during the relationship.
• Outline arrangements for financial support, if agreed upon, during and after the time living together.

A cohabitation agreement for a roommate situation can:

• Clarify financial responsibilities for costs and expenses while living together.
• Define property ownership and division if anythings are purchased together.
• Establish obligations for expenses, debts, and shared assets, like streaming services.
• Protect individual assets acquired before by listing the property each brings to the shared living space.

A well-drafted cohabitation agreement can address various aspects of the couple or romantic relationship, such as:

For a cohabitation agreement to be enforceable in Texas, it must meet the following requirements:

A cohabitation agreement is an essential tool for unmarried couples who are living together who want to define their financial and legal rights, obligations and expectations. It can also be a helpful tool for people sharing living space in a roommate or housemate situation. Consulting an experienced Texas family law attorney ensures that your agreement is properly drafted, legally sound, and tailored to your specific needs. An attorney can help:

• Identify key issues that should be addressed in the agreement.
• Draft a comprehensive agreement.
• Review an existing agreement for fairness and legal validity.
• Assist with modifications if circumstances change.

Questions About Cohabitation Agreements?

If you are living with someone in a shared living space, or living with someone whom you have a relationship as an unmarried couple or are planning to move in with someone you’re in a relationship with, a cohabitation agreement can provide clarity and security. Contact local Flower Mound family law attorneys, Peace & Associates, today to discuss your plans, questions, and issues to protect your future. Our experienced family law attorneys are available to discuss cohabitation agreements and serve all of Denton County including Denton, Sanger, Corinth, Bartonville, Little Elm, Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, Krum, Ponder, and Argyle.