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Washington Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement

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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 party 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 agree that these Wills are in conformity with the provisions of this agreement and as consideration for this agreement, each party does hereby waive any and all objection to the terms of the said Last Will and Testament of the other and each party agrees not to contest or renounce the terms of thereof. Likewise, each party agrees not to contest or renounce any future Wills or Codicils, which are in conformity with the terms of this agreement.

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.

The parties agree that in the event of the dissolution of the relationship and the termination of cohabitation:

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 Washington. 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 Washington.

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

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day personally appeared before me , to me known to be the individual(s) described in and who executed the within and foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she/they signed the same as his/her/their free and voluntary act and deed, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.

Given under my hand and seal of office this day of , 20 .

Notary Public residing at

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day personally appeared before me , to me known to be the individual(s) described in and who executed the within and foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she/they signed the same as his/her/their free and voluntary act and deed, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.

Given under my hand and seal of office this day of , 20 .

Notary Public residing at

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

Exhibit “A” - Personal Financial Disclosure Statement

To: Date:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Contingent Liabilities

Schedules A-I (Real Estate, Motor Vehicles, U.S. Government Securities, Non-Marketable Securities, Stocks, Notes Payable Secured, Notes Payable Unsecured, Real Estate Mortgages, Auto Loans)

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

Exhibit “B” - Personal Financial Disclosure Statement

To: Date:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Contingent Liabilities

Schedules A-I (Real Estate, Motor Vehicles, U.S. Government Securities, Non-Marketable Securities, Stocks, Notes Payable Secured, Notes Payable Unsecured, Real Estate Mortgages, Auto Loans)

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

Enter text

What the Washington Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement Is

A Washington Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement is a private, written contract between unmarried adults who live together or plan to cohabit. It documents property ownership, financial responsibilities, expense sharing, debt allocation, and dispute-resolution procedures. Though not typically filed with a government office, the agreement creates contractual rights enforceable in court if parties meet contract formation standards. Parties often notarize and sign to strengthen evidentiary weight; electronic execution and retention are permitted where ESIGN and state law allow.

Why a Cohabitation Agreement Matters in Washington

A written agreement clarifies financial expectations, protects separate property, and reduces uncertainty if the relationship ends. It helps avoid expensive litigation by recording parties’ intentions and allocating obligations in advance.

Why a Cohabitation Agreement Matters in Washington

Who Typically Uses This Agreement

This agreement is used by unmarried partners who want clear financial and property arrangements before or during cohabitation.

  • Newly cohabiting couples seeking to define property ownership and shared expenses to prevent future disputes.
  • Long-term partners protecting individual assets, inheritance expectations, or business interests when living together.
  • Couples with children from prior relationships clarifying support responsibilities and property division expectations.

Legal counsel commonly reviews agreements to ensure clarity and enforceability under Washington contract law.

Representative Signer Profiles

Alex, Partner

Alex is an unmarried partner contributing a defined share of household expenses and retaining separate ownership of premarital assets; the agreement documents those contributions and preserves Alex’s separate property rights in case of separation.

Jordan, Attorney

Jordan is a family law attorney who reviews cohabitation agreements for enforceability, recommends clear consideration language, and advises on notary or witness steps to strengthen the agreement’s evidentiary value.

Essential Data Elements to Include

Party Names: Full legal names
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format
Addresses: Street, city, state, ZIP
Property List: Separate vs shared assets
Financial Terms: Expense split and debt
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration or mediation

Risks of an Incomplete Agreement

Ambiguous Terms: Court reformation risk
Undisclosed Debt: Unexpected liability allocation
Improper Signatures: Enforceability challenges
Missing Consideration: Contract may be voidable
No Notary: Reduced evidentiary weight
State Conflicts: Interpretation under local law

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using vague phrasing for financial obligations that leaves room for differing interpretations during disputes.
  • Failing to list separate property explicitly, which can lead to contested claims over premarital or inherited assets.
  • Omitting effective date or signatures by all parties, creating ambiguity about when obligations commence.
  • Relying on informal emails or text messages rather than a single, signed written agreement.

Realistic Use Cases for Washington Cohabitation Agreements

Two common situations illustrate why couples use these agreements.

Home Purchase by Cohabitants

A couple buys property together and records ownership shares explicitly

  • Parties split mortgage 60/40 per agreement
  • The written contract prevented costly litigation by documenting each partner’s contribution and establishing buyout terms if one partner departs.

Protecting Inherited Assets

One partner receives a sizable inheritance and wants to keep it separate

  • Agreement specifies inheritance remains separate property
  • When the relationship ended, the contract allowed the inheriting partner to retain the inheritance without protracted court disputes.

Step‑by‑Step: Completing the Agreement

Follow these steps to produce a clear, enforceable Washington cohabitation agreement.

  • 01
    Draft Terms: List assets, liabilities, and expense sharing.
  • 02
    Specify Consideration: Describe what each party gives or receives.
  • 03
    Review Legality: Confirm terms comply with Washington contract law.
  • 04
    Sign and Notarize: Have all parties sign; notarize to strengthen proof.

How Electronic Completion Works

Electronic workflows let parties sign remotely while preserving legal evidence and audit trails.

  • Upload Document: Add the agreement PDF to the signing platform.
  • Place Fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields for each party.
  • Authenticate Signers: Use email, SMS, or stronger methods as needed.
  • Execute and Archive: Capture audit trail and store signed copy securely.

Key Components of a Professional Cohabitation Agreement

A complete agreement addresses ownership, financial terms, dispute handling, duration, amendments, and termination mechanics to reduce future conflict.

Property Allocation

Define which assets remain separate and which are shared, include schedules or exhibits listing real property, vehicles, bank accounts, and investments for clarity and enforceability.

Expense Sharing

Describe how rent, utilities, loan payments, and household costs are divided, whether by percentage, fixed amounts, or another formula to avoid ambiguity.

Debt Responsibility

Allocate responsibility for premarital and joint debts, specify whether one party assumes debt or both remain liable to creditors and each other.

Support and Maintenance

If applicable, state whether either party will receive spousal‑type support, and define amount, duration, and triggering events for support.

Dispute Resolution

Specify mediation or arbitration procedures, venue, and governing law to streamline conflict resolution and limit litigation costs.

Amendment Process

Require written, signed amendments for changes; include procedures for notice, execution, and effective dates of modifications.

Customizing an Online Signing Workflow

Configure a digital workflow to match your signing order, authentication needs, and retention policies.

Setting Configuration
Template Library Save standard agreement for reuse across signings.
Signer Roles Assign roles: Partner A, Partner B, Notary, Attorney.
Authentication Choose email, SMS code, or ID verification.
Notifications Enable reminders and completion notices to parties.

Distributing and Submitting the Agreement Securely

Choose a platform that supports secure uploads, identity verification, and audit trails for e-signed agreements.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX
  • Integrations: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, ID proofing

Maintain a single authoritative signed copy and use secure cloud storage with access controls and encrypted transit and rest.

Timing Considerations and Expected Turnaround

Plan execution and review early; allow time for counsel, notarization, and any identity verification required for remote signing.

Drafting Window:

Allow one to two weeks for negotiation and legal review

Notarization Timing:

Schedule notarization after final signatures are prepared

eSignature Completion:

Most electronic signings complete within 24–48 hours

Record Retention Start:

Retention begins on the document’s effective date

Amendment Lead Time:

Allow seven to fourteen days for revised agreement processing

Key Milestones from Draft to Enforceability

Track these sequential milestones to move from draft to an enforceable agreement efficiently.

01

Negotiation Complete

Finalize terms and exhibits with both parties.

02

Legal Review

Attorney checks clarity and statutory compliance.

03

Execution

All parties sign; notary completes acknowledgement.

04

Secure Storage

Store executed copy with audit trail and backups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cohabitation Agreements

Answers to common questions about validity, signing, and evidence for Washington non‑marital cohabitation agreements.


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