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California 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 , , 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:

14. Controlling Law: This agreement shall be controlled, construed and given effect by and under the laws of the State of California. 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; and

(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 California.

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

Notary Acknowledgment

State of California

County of

On before me, , personally appeared , who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature

(Seal)

State of California

County of

On before me, , personally appeared , who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature

(Seal)

Exhibit “A” - Personal Financial Disclosure Statement

Individual Information

To: Date:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Cash on Hand or in Banks Notes Payable (Secured)

Other Cash Notes Payable (Unsecured)

Real Estate (other than residence) Real Estate Mortgages Payable

Residence Auto Loans

Motor Vehicles Unpaid Taxes and Interest

US Government Securities Due to Brokers

Non-Marketable Securities Open Accounts

Stocks Credit Cards

Other Personal Property Other

Life Insurance Cash Value

Business Interests

Notes Receivable

Other Assets

Total Assets Total Liabilities

TOTAL OF ALL ASSETS LESS TOTAL OF ALL LIABILITIES NET WORTH

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Salary Bonus

Commissions Dividends

Rental Income Other Income

Total Income

Contingent Liabilities

Guarantor, Co-maker Lease or Contracts

Legal Claims Other

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

Signature

Exhibit “B” - Personal Financial Disclosure Statement

Individual Information

To: Date:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Cash on Hand or in Banks Notes Payable (Secured)

Other Cash Notes Payable (Unsecured)

Real Estate (other than residence) Real Estate Mortgages Payable

Residence Auto Loans

Motor Vehicles Unpaid Taxes and Interest

US Government Securities Due to Brokers

Non-Marketable Securities Open Accounts

Stocks Credit Cards

Other Personal Property Other

Life Insurance Cash Value

Business Interests

Notes Receivable

Other Assets

Total Assets Total Liabilities

TOTAL OF ALL ASSETS LESS TOTAL OF ALL LIABILITIES NET WORTH

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Salary Bonus

Commissions Dividends

Rental Income Other Income

Total Income

Contingent Liabilities

Guarantor, Co-maker Lease or Contracts

Legal Claims Other

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

Signature

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

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

Signature

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

Signature

Enter text

What a California Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement Is

A California Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement is a private, written contract between two unmarried adults who live together or plan to do so. It sets out each party's rights and obligations regarding shared property, individual property, debts, financial support, household expenses, and dispute resolution. The agreement clarifies ownership of assets acquired before and during cohabitation, outlines how joint accounts or property will be managed, and specifies procedures for separation. While not filed with a court as a marriage decree, it is a preventative legal tool to reduce uncertainty and litigation risk if the relationship ends.

Why couples and advisors use this agreement

A written cohabitation agreement provides clarity on property, debt allocation, and expectations, reducing disputes if the relationship ends. It can preserve individual property rights and define contributions to shared expenses.

Why couples and advisors use this agreement

Typical users and professional involvement

These agreements are commonly used by couples, landlords, and advisors to document financial and property arrangements before or during cohabitation.

  • Unmarried couples seeking property clarity and avoidance of future disputes.
  • Landlords or property managers clarifying occupancy and responsibility for rent.
  • Attorneys and mediators drafting or reviewing tailored contractual terms.

Who typically signs and prepares these agreements

Unmarried Partner

An individual cohabiting with a partner who signs to protect separate property, define shared expense responsibilities, and record contributions to joint purchases or improvements.

Estate Counsel

An attorney or legal advisor who drafts or reviews terms, ensures enforceability under California contract law, and recommends witness or notarization practices appropriate to the circumstances.

Step-by-step: Preparing and executing the agreement

Follow these sequential steps to create a clear, enforceable cohabitation agreement tailored to your situation.

  • 01
    Draft terms: List property, debts, support, and household expense arrangements in clear language.
  • 02
    Disclose assets: Each party should disclose significant assets and liabilities for transparency.
  • 03
    Review with counsel: Have each party obtain independent legal advice to reduce later challenges.
  • 04
    Sign and date: Execute in writing; include witness or notarization if desired for added proof.

Typical administrative flow after drafting

Once terms are final, follow a simple routing and recording routine to reduce disputes and retain proof of execution.

  • Finalize document: Produce a single final version to prevent multiple conflicting drafts.
  • Arrange signatures: Coordinate times or use an eSignature platform for clear attribution and timestamps.
  • Optional notarization: Notarize if additional authentication is desired; check state requirements.
  • Retain copies: Each party should keep an original signed copy and a secure digital copy.

How to set up a secure e-sign workflow

Configure the digital workflow to capture signer intent, authenticate parties, and retain a full audit trail.

Field Configuration
Signer order Simultaneous or sequential signing, set by sender
Authentication Email link plus SMS code or identity verification
Audit trail Capture IP, timestamps, and action events automatically
Document retention Store signed PDF with certificate of completion

Digital signing and sharing essentials

Choose a platform that supports standard document formats, audit trails, and appropriate signer authentication.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace supported
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML accepted
  • Security: AES-256 at rest, TLS in transit

Key clauses to include in a professional agreement

A robust agreement covers ownership, contributions, dispute resolution, duration, financial responsibilities, and termination mechanics to reduce ambiguity and litigation risk.

Parties

Full legal names and contact details for each party; include capacity statements if one party signs for an entity.

Property allocation

Clear statements identifying separate and joint property, with descriptive details and ownership percentages where applicable.

Expense sharing

Specify how rent, mortgage, utilities, and maintenance costs are divided, and procedures for changing contribution levels.

Debt responsibility

Allocate liability for existing and future debts and note whether debts remain individually or become joint obligations.

Dispute resolution

Identify mediation or arbitration procedures, governing law, and venue for resolving disagreements to avoid costly litigation.

Termination

State the process for ending the agreement, notice requirements, and how property and expenses will be settled.

Downloadable and supporting document formats

Keep signed copies in multiple interoperable formats to ensure long-term access and admissibility in court or mediation.

PDF

Signed PDF/A with embedded audit trail and visible signatures for long-term storage and portability.

DOCX

Editable Word document for redlines and revision history before final execution.

Signed certificate

Certificate of completion showing signer identity, timestamps, and IP addresses for evidentiary support.

Export options

Download signed files, store in cloud storage, or export metadata for compliance audits.

Security and compliance considerations for digital execution

In-transit encryption: TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3
At-rest encryption: AES-256 encryption
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001
Privacy laws: CCPA and GDPR compliance options
Health data: HIPAA available with a signed BAA
eSignature law: ESIGN and UETA compliant

Risks and legal consequences of errors

Unenforceable Clause: Poor drafting renders provisions void
Missing Signatures: Unsigned pages may invalidate terms
Incorrect Dates: Ambiguous effective dates cause disputes
Insufficient Disclosure: Non-disclosure risks rescission claims
Witness Issues: Lack of independent witness raises authentication challenges
Improper eSign: No consent or audit trail can block enforcement

Common drafting and execution mistakes to avoid

  • Using vague phrases such as 'reasonable portion' for contributions leads to differing interpretations and later disputes between parties.
  • Failing to disclose separate property or debts can support claims that the agreement was signed under misrepresentation or unfair surprise.
  • Relying on verbal assurances without memorializing terms in a written agreement undermines evidence and increases litigation risk.
  • Neglecting independent legal advice for each party increases the likelihood a court will find procedural unconscionability.

Timing considerations when executing or revoking the agreement

There are no statutory filing deadlines for cohabitation agreements, but timing affects enforceability and potential notice obligations; follow recommended windows below.

Execution date:

Signers should enter the execution date in MM/DD/YYYY format

Review period:

Allow 14–30 days for each party to review before signing

Revocation notice:

Specify notice period, commonly 30 days, for unilateral termination

Notary retention:

Notary A/V session or journal retention varies by state

Attorney review:

Seek counsel promptly to avoid later claims of coercion

Key milestones from draft to stored record

Track these sequential milestones to ensure the agreement is prepared, executed, and stored with full evidentiary support.

01

Drafting complete

Final internal review and edits completed before external review

02

Independent review

Each party reviews with counsel or trusted advisor

03

Execution and authentication

Signatures obtained, plus notarization or e-authentication when used

04

Secure storage

Store original signed document and certified digital copy

Notarization and witness process overview

Follow a consistent authentication flow whether using in-person notarization or remote online notarization to document identity and consent.

01

Check RON status

Verify remote notarization rules in the signer’s state

02

Identity proofing

Use ID credential analysis or knowledge-based checks

03

Audio-video

Record the session if RON rules require it

04

In-person steps

Sign before the notary with ID verified

05

Witness role

Add witnesses where state or practice requires

06

Notary journal

Notary makes journal entry per state law

07

Certificate attached

Include notary certificate on signed document

08

Record retention

Retain sessions per state RON rules

Real-world scenarios for using a cohabitation agreement

These illustrative examples show how typical clauses resolve common situations for unmarried couples.

Property Protection

A couple sharing a condo documents ownership percentages and mortgage contributions.

  • The agreement allocates improvements and sale proceeds.
  • When the relationship ended, the agreement avoided court allocation disputes by providing clear formulas for reimbursement and sale division, saving both parties time and legal expense.

Separation Finances

Partners clarify responsibility for shared credit-card debt before moving in.

  • Agreement sets payoff duties and timelines.
  • After separation, the written plan guided repayment and prevented contested claims about who incurred which charges, reducing collection disputes and preserving credit records.

E-signature pricing and capability comparison

Compare common vendor pricing and feature availability for executing agreements electronically. signNow appears first in the vendor column per table conventions.

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 7-day trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

How to update or amend the agreement

Use a formal amendment process to change terms so that the update is as enforceable as the original agreement.

01

Draft amendment:

State specific clauses to change and reference original agreement
02

Mutual consent:

Both parties must agree in writing
03

Consideration:

Document consideration if required to support amendment
04

Sign and date:

Have both parties execute the amendment
05

Notarize if used:

Notarize or e-authenticate to strengthen evidentiary value
06

Store records:

Attach amendment to original and keep copies

Frequently asked questions about cohabitation agreements

Answers address common execution, enforceability, and recordkeeping concerns for California Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreements.


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