About Cohabitation Agreements

Cohabitation Agreements are drawn up when a couple choose not to marry, but want to regulate clearly their property rights and what arrangements might be made for mutual financial support, dealing with debts, looking after children etc.

The main benefit of a Cohabitation Agreement is that they help clarify financial commitments. Long-term relationships, especially those involving children, involve a business partnership as well as a romantic bond. Balancing the budget between income and outgoings, working out who pays what and how responsibilities are shared in running the home ' all need sorting out to ensure a stress free and harmonious home life.

There is much to be said too for planning ahead, especially to deal with the fallout from unplanned scenarios, such as: another child, separation, long-term illness or death.

However, on the downside discussing topics like death, breaking up and illness can be a bit of a mood killer especially on the first date! The temptation to avoid it is understandable. But talking about the terms of a Cohabitation Agreement early on can be an indicator of a relationship mature enough to work through major decisions.