Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Cohabitation Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

NON-MARITAL COHABITATION AGREEMENT

READ BEFORE SIGNING: IMPORTANT NOTICE: EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT AGREES THAT THEY HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF THEIR CHOICE LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THEIR STATE OF RESIDENCE (NOT THE SAME ATTORNEY) AND THAT EACH PARTY HAS FULLY READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY FURTHER AGREES THAT THEY ARE NOT ACTING UNDER DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE IN EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT EXECUTION OF SAME IS DONE FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY.

THIS AGREEMENT, made this day of , 20 , between , of , ("First Party"), and , of , ("Second Party"),

WHEREAS, the parties now reside together or are in contemplation of establishing a residence together; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to execute this agreement in contemplation of said cohabitation, or in consideration of continued cohabitation; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into an agreement regarding certain properties, responsibilities, duties and obligations including, but not limited to, any interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings; and

WHEREAS, the parties have furnished each other with a financial statement which each party acknowledges is a full and complete disclosure of substantially all of the real and personal property now owned by him or her. Each party acknowledges that the values are an estimate by him or her of the approximate present value thereof, all of which property is now and shall continue to be separate properties of the respective parties, copies of said financial statements are attached hereto as Exhibits “A” and “B” respectively; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to express in writing their agreement that, except as hereinafter specifically provided, their cohabitation shall not in any way change their rights, or the rights of their heirs (exclusive of the parties) or of their devisees or legatees, in the real and personal property owned or hereafter acquired by each of the parties and that said rights shall be governed by the terms of this agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the parties and of their mutual promises and agreements, they agree one with the other as follows:

1. Previously Owned Property: Except as otherwise provided herein, each of the parties shall have full control of the property, real, personal and mixed, wherever located, of the other and shall have and hereby is given the right to lease, sell, convey, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the same and receive all monies, rents, issues, income and profits thereof without any restrictions whatever and without interference from the other party. Further, both parties waive any rights which may be established by cohabitation, except as expressly provided for in this agreement. Property acquired by either party prior to execution of this agreement that shall hereafter be considered property of both parties and therefore joint property is as follows:

2. Debts: The parties agree in reference to debts as follows:

(a) As to Debts of either party incurred prior to cohabitation:

To be mutually responsible for said debts.

To be responsible for their individual debts only.

To jointly be responsible for only the following debts:

(b) As to debts incurred by the parties after cohabitation:

Such debts shall be the responsibility of the part incurring same.

Both parties shall be responsible for the debts of both parties. The debts shall be considered joint.

The parties shall only be jointly responsible for joint debts and each party shall be responsible for their own individual debts.

3. Wills:

The parties have each executed a Last Will and Testament, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits “C” and “D”.

The parties shall not change their existing Will, if any, or make a new will at this time, but any new Will executed shall be in conformance with the provisions of this agreement.

4. Evidence of Agreement. The fact that either party (without being obligated to do so) may give, devise or bequeath to the other party property or an interest therein, or otherwise confer rights or powers on the other party, in trust or by gift or will, shall not be construed as a waiver of any provision hereof or as evidence that there is or was an agreement or understanding between the parties other than as specifically expressed herein.

5. Execution of Documents: Each party agrees, on behalf of himself or herself and of his or her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, that he, she or they, at the request of the other party or the latter's heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (but at the cost of the other party or his or her heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns), will make, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such further or other acts, deeds and instruments as shall be appropriate, necessary or desirable to carry in effect the intent, purpose and provisions of this agreement without question or delay, except that neither party shall be obliged to sign any mortgage, note, bond or other instrument which may subject him or her, or his or her estate and property, to personal liability.

6. Property and Disposition of Property: Assets acquired by the parties during cohabitation shall be acquired in the name or names of the parties who will own same. All personal property located in the residence of the parties shall be considered equally owned by the parties except items owned prior to cohabitation, or items acquired by inheritance or gift to only one party. Unless owned in both names all property shall be considered the property of the party in whose name the property is titled. In selling, assigning, granting, releasing, conveying or otherwise dealing with the property of either party, the property of one party shall not be sold, assigned, released, conveyed, or otherwise disposed of without the express written consent of the property’s owner.

7. Expenses: The parties agree to share the following expenses as provided below. “Both” means that the expenses will be shared equally.

Expense First Party Second Party Both
Housing
Telephone
Residential Gas
Electricity
Cable
Internet
Groceries
Auto Payments (First Party)
Auto Payments (Second Party)
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Health Expense
Dental Expense
Other

The parties shall be solely liable or accountable for the following expenses which they may incur or be otherwise accountable for: Child support for any children not of this relationship, child care for any child not of this relationship, magazine subscriptions, health club memberships, food eaten outside the residence when other cohabitant party is not present, food for any third party, medical care for any third party, dental care for any third party, traffic fines and costs, tax penalties and liabilities, entertainment expenses for any third party, or entertainment expenses when both cohabitants are not present, legal expenses, personal hygiene or personal care expenses including but not limited to beauty shops, barbershops, health spas, nail care salons, private nursing care, personal trainers, therapists, gambling expenses, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, toiletry items, vacation expenses when other cohabitant is not present, any expense of guest of other cohabitant, any travel expense including but not limited to travel tickets, motels, hotels, rental cars, charge upon any credit card, bank loans not jointly signed, gifts, or tips for any expenditure, care, maintenance or entertainment for any friend or relative.

8. Bank Accounts: The parties agree to the following: (Check all that apply).

The parties shall deposit earnings and other funds in joint checking and/or savings accounts, for disposition at will by either party.

Each party shall retain his or her own earnings and other funds in his or her own individual savings, checking, or other account, for disposition at will, except for funds needed for household expenses, if so indicated in this agreement.

The parties shall maintain a joint checking account for household expenses such as rent, food, household supplies, and utilities. The parties shall contribute to this account the amounts necessary to cover the household expenses.

9. Health Insurance. Both parties hereby agree that:

Both parties will make every reasonable effort to include the other party on any health insurance that might be provided by an employer, equally dividing the cost of said health insurance.

The parties will be individually responsible for their own health insurance.

10. Life Insurance. The parties agree that:

The parties will make every reasonable effort to name each other as the beneficiary of any life insurance policies held.

The parties will not name each other as beneficiaries for any life insurance policies held.

11. Health Care Decisions. The parties agree that:

Each party shall execute a durable power of attorney for the purposes of health care decisions in favor of the other party.

The parties will not be entitled to make health care decisions for one another.

12. Post-Cohabitation Support: Regardless of the length of the period of cohabitation, neither party hereto shall be entitled to any claim for maintenance, alimony, palimony or any other payment based on a claim that the cohabitation inferred, granted, created, or inferred that said right or claim would be created by said cohabitation, except as provided herein. Further both of the parties hereto, hereby agree to indemnity and hold harmless, the other party from any such claim, and against any court costs or attorney fees associated with any claim in contravention of this agreement.

Neither party shall have any obligation to support the other party, either during the relationship or in the event that the relationship terminates.

The parties agree that in the event of a separation and an end to cohabitation of the parties, shall pay to , the amount of $ per month for a period of months.

13. Post-Cohabitation Provisions: The parties further agree that in the event of separation and the end of cohabitation, the following additional provisions shall apply notwithstanding the other provisions of this agreement: (Check any that apply).

, shall be entitled to receive the following property: .

, shall be entitled to receive the following property: .

The following property shall be sold and the proceeds, less expenses divided equally between the parties: [none or list property]:

14. Controlling Law: This agreement shall be controlled, construed and given effect by and under the laws of the State of Texas. It is the intent of the parties that the Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under applicable laws and public policies. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions, and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had been omitted.

15. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to its subject matter and it supersedes all prior contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings of the parties. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by all parties.

16. Waiver: No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed, or shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.

17. Binding Effect: This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and upon their respective executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

18. Amendment: This agreement may only be amended or revoked by written amendment signed by both parties.

19. Representation: Each party further agrees and affirms as follows:

(a) That the party did execute the agreement voluntarily; and

(b) That this agreement is not unconscionable when it was executed; and

(c) Both parties were provided prior to execution of this agreement a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party;

(d) Both parties had the opportunity to consult with counsel prior to executing this document.

20. Marriage: The parties make no promise, contract or agreement, one to another, that this cohabitation will result in marriage.

21. Children: Any rights and obligations of the parties relating to children of the parties, if any, shall be governed by separate agreement and the laws of the State of Texas.

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, the parties hereby execute this agreement in several counterparts, any executed copy of which shall be considered for all purposes as an original, on the day and year above written.

FIRST PARTY

SECOND PARTY

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

EXHIBIT “A” - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

To: Date:

Individual Information

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Contingent Liabilities

We/I Certify this Statement to be true and correct as of the date indicated:

EXHIBIT “B” - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

To: Date:

Individual Information

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Contingent Liabilities

We/I Certify this Statement to be true and correct as of the date indicated:

SCHEDULES A-I

Schedule A - Real Estate

Schedule B - Motor Vehicles

Schedule C - U.S. Government Securities

Schedule D - Non Marketable Securities

Schedule E - Stocks

Schedule F - Notes Payable Secured

Schedule G - Notes Payable Unsecured

Schedule H - Real Estate Mortgages

Schedule I - Auto Loans

Enter text✕

What a Cohabitation Agreement Is and When It’s Used

A Cohabitation Agreement is a private legal contract used by unmarried partners to set rights and obligations while living together. It typically documents property ownership, financial contributions, expense sharing, allocation of debts, decision-making for household matters, and processes for separation or death. Cohabitation agreements can include provisions on children, pets, and dispute resolution, and specify a governing law. When signed properly they are recognized under federal and state e-signature statutes such as the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA enactments, subject to specific exceptions like family law matters.

Why Partners Use a Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreements provide clarity on property division, financial duties, and separation procedures, reducing uncertainty and litigation risk. They help protect individual assets, set expectations for shared expenses, and establish dispute-resolution mechanisms, improving predictability for both partners under applicable contract law.

Why Partners Use a Cohabitation Agreement

Who Typically Uses a Cohabitation Agreement

Unmarried couples, domestic partners, and cohabitants who own property or share finances and wish to define rights and responsibilities.

  • Long-term partners planning asset division without marriage; want predictable financial outcome on separation.
  • Individuals who jointly purchase or rent property and need clear ownership and expense allocation.
  • Couples where one partner earns significantly more and parties want agreed financial contribution rules.

Have counsel review if complex assets, trust interests, or matters affecting child custody and support are involved, since family law can alter enforceability.

Typical Signatories and Their Roles

Partner A — Co-owner

Typically the person contributing purchase funds, named as owner on title, responsible for mortgage payments and major expenses. Agreement should specify contribution amounts, reimbursement terms, and procedure for sale or transfer to prevent disputes at separation or death.

Partner B — Non-owner

May contribute to household expenses, pay rent, or make improvements without holding title. Agreement should state whether contributions are repayable, qualify for ownership credit, or are considered shared living expenses to avoid future claims.

Key Sections to Include in a Professional Cohabitation Agreement

Essential clauses and structure commonly found in a professionally drafted Cohabitation Agreement to ensure clarity, enforceability, and practical dispute-resolution pathways.

Parties

Identify each party with full legal name, current address, and identifying details; include status (single, divorced) and capacity statements to prevent later identity or capacity disputes.

Recitals

Brief background describing relationship intent and reasons for the agreement; recitals provide context that assists courts when interpreting ambiguous provisions or intent at the time of signing.

Property

Specify separate and joint property, title ownership, and mechanisms for sale or buyout. Include valuation method, reimbursement rules, and handling of mortgage liability to avoid later conflicts.

Financials

Detail contributions, shared expense rules, allocation of bills and debts, and repayment schedules for advances or improvements to clarify economic expectations between parties.

Termination

Define triggers for termination, required notice periods, buyout formulas, and steps for selling or refinancing shared assets to streamline separation processes.

Dispute Resolution

Include choice of law, forum selection, and mediation or arbitration clauses to reduce litigation costs and provide predictable resolution pathways when disputes arise.

Step-by-Step: Complete and Execute the Agreement

Step-by-step process to complete and execute a Cohabitation Agreement correctly, covering drafting, review, signing, and storage.

  • 01
    Draft Terms: List assets, debts, contributions, and decision rules.
  • 02
    Choose Law: Specify governing state and dispute-resolution method.
  • 03
    Review Counsel: Have independent legal advice for each party.
  • 04
    Sign & Notarize: Sign in presence of required witnesses or notary.

Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Configure an online workflow to collect signatures and manage the Cohabitation Agreement lifecycle and retention.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Flexible sequence or simultaneous signing
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or KBA available
Notifications Automated email reminders and completion receipts
Storage Location Encrypted cloud storage with retention controls

Execution and Recordkeeping Flow

Overview of typical execution, delivery, and recordkeeping workflow for a Cohabitation Agreement in practice, including e-signature.

  • Prepare Document: Draft agreement in clear, typed format.
  • Attach Exhibits: Add schedules for property and financial items.
  • Authenticate Signers: Use notarization, witnesses, or suitable eID.
  • Store Records: Retain executed copies and audit trail securely.

Technical and Legal Delivery Considerations

Technical and legal considerations for delivering and executing a Cohabitation Agreement electronically, including file formats and signer authentication requirements.

  • File Formats: PDF and Word DOCX formats
  • Integrations: CRM and storage integrations supported
  • Signer Auth: Email, SMS, or advanced methods

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: AES-256 at rest, TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Access Controls: Role-based permissions, SSO and SAML
Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps, IP addresses, action history
HIPAA BAA: BAA available for protected health information
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
Authentication: Email, SMS code, and advanced options

Common Drafting and Execution Pitfalls

  • Failing to disclose separate assets leads to disputes and may render ownership clauses unenforceable in a later separation.
  • Using vague language about contributions without defined amounts or repayment terms makes financial provisions ambiguous and contestable.
  • Ignoring state-specific formalities such as witness counts or notarization can limit the agreement's legal effect.
  • Failing to update the agreement after marriage, property purchases, or children are born can create contradictions with newer legal obligations.

Risks of an Incomplete or Incorrect Agreement

Unenforceability: Vague terms may be invalidated
Tax consequences: Misreporting ownership triggers IRS issues
Property disputes: Title mismatch causes litigation risk
Child support: Cannot contract away child support obligations
Notarization: State may require notarized signatures
Ambiguity: Conflicting clauses invite court interpretation

Best Practices to Improve Clarity and Enforceability

Practical guidance to draft a Cohabitation Agreement that is clear, enforceable, and resilient to later disputes or statutory challenges.

Use plain language and definitions
Write unambiguous clauses, define key terms (ownership, contribution, buyout), and avoid conditional phrasing. Clearly numbered sections and schedules reduce interpretive disputes and help a court apply the parties' intent if enforcement becomes necessary.
Provide full financial disclosure and schedules
Attach asset and debt schedules, bank statements, title documents, and valuation metrics. Accurate disclosure prevents later claims of concealment and supports enforceability; include dates and amounts to enable precise reimbursement calculations.
Require independent legal advice for each party
Each party should consult separate counsel to review terms, confirm understanding, and document consent. A written acknowledgment of independent advice reduces challenges based on coercion or lack of informed consent during enforcement proceedings.
Document execution details and notarization
Signatures should be witnessed or notarized per state practice. Record execution dates, signatory names, and attach notarial acknowledgements when available to create a strong evidentiary record for courts and third parties.

Real-World Examples: How Agreements Resolve Common Issues

Examples of how Cohabitation Agreements resolve real situations for property, finances, and separation planning across households.

Property Sharing

A couple purchased a home together but wanted distinct shares tied to each party's down payment and mortgage contributions.

  • Agreement sets reimbursement and sale procedures.
  • The written Cohabitation Agreement specified percentage ownership, reimbursement on sale, and a buyout formula, which prevented court disputes when the relationship ended and streamlined transfer of title per their chosen governing state law.

Financial Support

Partners running a small business together wanted clear expense sharing and reimbursement for business-related investments made by one partner.

  • Defines repayment and profit-sharing terms.
  • The Cohabitation Agreement included a schedule for capital contributions, repayment timelines, and percentage allocations of profits, reducing later disputes and establishing a predictable method for valuing and compensating contributions if the couple separated or dissolved the business.

Timing and Review Recommendations

Key timing considerations for drafting, signing, and updating a Cohabitation Agreement tied to life events and property transactions.

Before Move-in:

Execute to set baseline rights and financial arrangements.

Before Property Purchase:

Sign before closing to clarify ownership and contributions.

After Major Purchase:

Update for large asset acquisitions or debt changes.

After Childbirth:

Review provisions affecting custody and support obligations.

Periodic Review:

Revisit every 3–5 years or after major life changes.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Executing the Agreement

High-level pricing and feature comparison for common eSignature vendors relevant to signing a Cohabitation Agreement.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

FAQs: Practical Answers for Common Questions

Answers to common questions about drafting, signing, and enforcing a Cohabitation Agreement in the U.S.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users