Is an electronic signature valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws where adopted; ensure intent, consent, attribution, and retention are documented.

Do we need a notary or witnesses?

Not usually required for private contracts, but notarization or witnesses can strengthen evidentiary value in dispute; check state rules for documents that do require witnesses or notarial acts.

Can we sign remotely with a notary?

Remote online notarization (RON) availability varies by state; many states permit RON but procedures differ, including identity proofing and audio-video recording requirements.

What if one party wants changes later?

Use a written amendment signed by all parties; verbal changes are risky. Consider mediation clauses to manage disagreements over amendments.

Are there tax implications?

Potentially—transfers of property or shared ownership changes can have tax consequences. Consult a tax advisor for significant asset transfers.

How do we cancel the agreement?

Follow any termination clause in the agreement; absent terms, provide reasonable written notice and resolve outstanding obligations per the contract.

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Living Together Agreement

Living Together Agreement

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

What a Living Together Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Living Together Agreement is a private contract between unmarried adults who share a residence that sets out financial arrangements, property rights, responsibilities, and dispute-resolution procedures. It records each party's expectations about contributions to rent, utilities, household expenses, ownership or use of shared property, and steps to take if the relationship ends. While not a substitute for a marriage contract, it clarifies obligations, reduces later disputes, and can be used as evidence in courts or administrative proceedings when parties follow formal signing and retention practices.

Why a Living Together Agreement Can Be Useful

A clear written agreement reduces ambiguity about money, property, and responsibilities, helps preserve individual rights, and documents intent for third parties such as landlords or courts.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Agreement

The agreement is commonly used by unmarried couples and housemates who want written terms for shared living arrangements.

Unmarried couples who share rent, mortgage payments, or household assets and want defined property and expense rules.
Roommates or co-tenants establishing expense splits, cleaning responsibilities, and notice periods for moving out.
Attorneys or mediators drafting or reviewing agreements for clients before signing to ensure enforceability.

When drafted and signed correctly, the agreement serves as a practical risk-management tool and a record of each party's intent.

Core Components to Include in a Professional Agreement

A complete Living Together Agreement covers identity, financial arrangements, property treatment, term and termination, dispute resolution, and signature blocks. Draft each section clearly to avoid ambiguity and consider attachments for schedules and inventories.

Parties

Full legal names and contact information for all people bound by the agreement; specify whether individuals are tenants, licensees, or co-owners of property.

Financial Terms

Detailed allocation of rent, utilities, groceries, maintenance costs, security deposits, and how shared bank accounts will be handled.

Property & Ownership

Identify personal property versus shared items, ownership percentages for purchased items, and procedures for sale or removal.

Term & Termination

Define the agreement start date, renewal mechanics, notice period for moving out, and how to wind down shared responsibilities.

Dispute Resolution

Specify negotiation, mediation, or arbitration procedures, choice of governing law, and who pays dispute resolution costs.

Signatures

Signature and date blocks for all parties plus a space for notarization or witness acknowledgment if desired for evidentiary value.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Living Together Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, sign, and store the agreement so it is clear and practical for both parties.

01

1. Gather information: Collect IDs, payment records, and inventory lists before drafting.
02

2. Draft terms: Write clear allocations for expenses, property, and duration.
03

3. Review with counsel: Optional attorney review for complex asset or tax issues.
04

4. Sign and retain: Execute signatures, optionally notarize, and save copies for all parties.

Configuring an Online Completion Workflow

When completing electronically, configure fields and authentication to match the document's evidentiary needs.

Field	Configuration
Signature Order	Set simultaneous or sequential signing depending on workflow needs
Authentication	Choose email, SMS code, or stronger ID verification per sensitivity
Template	Save a reusable template for recurring household agreements
Notifications	Enable reminders and a completion certificate for records

Digital Signing and Platform Considerations

Choose a platform that supports the authentication level and storage you need.

File Formats: Accepts PDF and DOCX files
Integrations: Works with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Box
Authentication Options: Supports email, SMS, and advanced verification

Ensure the platform provides an audit trail, tamper-evident storage, and export options for long-term retention.

Where to Send or File the Agreement After Signing

After signatures are complete, route copies to each party and store a master copy in a secure location; filing with a public office is rarely required for private cohabitation agreements.

Send Copies: Email or provide printed copies to all parties for their records
Optional Notarization: Get a notary acknowledgment for added evidentiary value
Store Securely: Save signed PDFs in encrypted cloud storage or a safe deposit box
Share with Counsel: Provide a copy to attorneys or mediators if disputes arise

Key Timing Considerations to Note

Set and record required notice periods and review dates in the agreement so both parties understand timing for renewals, termination, and dispute steps.

Effective Date:

Date obligations begin; format MM/DD/YYYY

Term Length:

Specify fixed term or month-to-month renewal mechanics

Termination Notice:

Typical notice period is 30 days unless otherwise stated

Review Schedule:

Recommend annual review to update finances or inventory

Dispute Deadline:

Set a deadline for initiating mediation or arbitration

Common Errors to Avoid When Drafting

Using vague language for expense splits or property ownership that makes enforcement difficult in disputes.
Failing to list shared property or contributions, which leads to later disagreement over ownership and reimbursements.
Not specifying a clear termination process or notice period, causing confusion if one party moves out unexpectedly.
Omitting signatures, dates, or required witness/notary blocks that reduce the document's evidentiary value.

Risks and Legal Consequences of an Improper Agreement

Unenforceability: May be treated as informal if ambiguous or unsigned

Tax Exposure: Incorrectly claimed deductions or transfers can trigger IRS review

Property Disputes: Poorly documented ownership can lead to costly litigation

Creditor Claims: Shared assets may be reachable by one party's creditors

Privacy Risks: Sensitive clauses improperly stored may breach privacy expectations

Cost of Correction: Rewriting or litigating agreements increases attorney fees

How to Amend or Update an Existing Agreement

Use a written amendment signed by all parties; follow the same signing and retention steps as the original agreement.

01

Review Current Terms:

Identify clauses needing change

02

Draft Amendment:

Specify sections amended and new language

03

Sign Amendment:

All parties sign and date the amendment

04

Notarize if Desired:

Optional notarization for evidentiary value

05

Attach to Original:

Keep amendment with the master agreement

06

Distribute Copies:

Provide signed copies to all parties

eSignature Platform Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare common pricing and core features for platforms often used to finalize agreements; signNow is listed first per platform comparison 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 free trial	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	No cap	No cap	No cap

Frequently Asked Questions About Living Together Agreements

These answers address common legal and practical questions about drafting, signing, and enforcing a Living Together Agreement.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws where adopted; ensure intent, consent, attribution, and retention are documented.
Do we need a notary or witnesses?
Not usually required for private contracts, but notarization or witnesses can strengthen evidentiary value in dispute; check state rules for documents that do require witnesses or notarial acts.
Can we sign remotely with a notary?
Remote online notarization (RON) availability varies by state; many states permit RON but procedures differ, including identity proofing and audio-video recording requirements.
What if one party wants changes later?
Use a written amendment signed by all parties; verbal changes are risky. Consider mediation clauses to manage disagreements over amendments.
Are there tax implications?
Potentially—transfers of property or shared ownership changes can have tax consequences. Consult a tax advisor for significant asset transfers.
How do we cancel the agreement?
Follow any termination clause in the agreement; absent terms, provide reasonable written notice and resolve outstanding obligations per the contract.

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