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North Carolina 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 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.

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:

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

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

I, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument. Witness my hand and (where an official seal is required by law) official seal.

This the day of (year).

(Official seal.)

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

I, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument. Witness my hand and (where an official seal is required by law) official seal.

This the day of (year).

(Official seal.)

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

Current Assets Current Liabilities
Cash on Hand or in BanksNotes 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 (List):
Other Personal Property Other:
Life Insurance Cash Value Total Liabilities
Business Interests TOTAL OF ALL ASSETS
Notes Receivable LESS TOTAL OF ALL LIABILITIES
Other Assets: NET WORTH

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Salary

Bonus

Commissions

Dividends

Rental Income

Other Income (List):

Total Income

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities Contingent Liabilities
Guarantor, Co-maker Guarantor or Co-Maker
Lease or Contracts Lease or Contracts
Legal Claims Legal Claims
Other: Other:

EXHIBIT “B” - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

To: Date:

Individual Information

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Current Assets Current Liabilities
Cash on Hand or in BanksNotes 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 (List):
Other Personal Property Other:
Life Insurance Cash Value Total Liabilities
Business Interests TOTAL OF ALL ASSETS
Notes Receivable LESS TOTAL OF ALL LIABILITIES
Other Assets: NET WORTH

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Salary

Bonus

Commissions

Dividends

Rental Income

Other Income (List):

Total Income

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities Contingent Liabilities
Guarantor, Co-maker Guarantor or Co-Maker
Lease or Contracts Lease or Contracts
Legal Claims Legal Claims
Other: Other:

SCHEDULES A - I

SCHEDULE “A” REAL ESTATE

Description of Real EstateCostMarket ValueDate Acquired

SCHEDULE “B” MOTOR VEHICLES

Description of Motor VehiclesCostValue

SCHEDULE “C” U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

Description of Stock or BondDate AcquiredPar ValueMarket Value

SCHEDULE “D” NON MARKETABLE SECURITIES

DescriptionDate AcquiredPar ValueMarket Value

SCHEDULE “E” STOCKS

CompanySharesDate AcquiredPar ValueMarket Value

SCHEDULE “F” NOTES PAYABLE SECURED

DescriptionDateBalancePayment (m/yr)

SCHEDULE “G” NOTES PAYABLE UNSECURED

DescriptionDateBalancePayment (m/yr)

SCHEDULE “H” REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES

DescriptionDateBalancePayment (m/yr)

SCHEDULE “I” AUTO LOANS

DescriptionDateBalancePayment (m/yr)

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

Signature

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What a North Carolina Cohabitation Agreement Is

A North Carolina Cohabitation Agreement is a written contract between unmarried partners who live together that sets out property rights, financial responsibilities, and expectations if the relationship ends. It can define ownership of assets acquired before and during cohabitation, outline debt allocation, set terms for support or division of shared expenses, and record agreements about household management. While state law shapes enforceability, clear written terms reduce disputes and provide evidence of mutual intent. Parties typically sign and may notarize the agreement for added weight.

Why partners use a Cohabitation Agreement

Using a North Carolina Cohabitation Agreement helps partners clarify ownership, limit future disputes, and document financial arrangements. It provides predictable outcomes for property division and debts, can speed dispute resolution, and may strengthen enforceability when properly executed and signed by both parties.

Why partners use a Cohabitation Agreement

Who typically completes a Cohabitation Agreement

Typical users include cohabiting couples, estate planners, and attorneys documenting property, debts, and financial responsibilities.

  • Cohabiting couples resolving ownership and household expense expectations before disputes arise.
  • Attorneys drafting enforceable terms tailored to North Carolina property and contract law.
  • Financial advisors documenting contribution percentages, debt responsibility, and account ownership.

Review the drafted agreement with counsel licensed in North Carolina to confirm enforceability and consider notarization or witness signatures for additional evidentiary value.

Essential clauses to include in the agreement

Key clauses to include ensure clarity on property, support, dispute resolution, and procedures for modification or termination of the cohabitation agreement.

Property

Describe ownership of real property and personal property acquired before and during cohabitation. Specify whether title is held jointly, separately, or in defined percentages and include any transfer terms.

Debts

Allocate responsibility for pre-existing and joint debts, note creditor notification obligations, and state how newly incurred liabilities will be divided to avoid future collection disputes.

Support

If parties agree to financial support, state amounts, durations, triggering events, and whether the obligation survives separation or termination; avoid blanket promises that courts may construe as unenforceable.

Expenses

Define how household expenses, utilities, mortgage payments, and maintenance costs will be shared, including percentages, payment methods, and bookkeeping expectations for transparency and documentation procedures for disputes.

Dispute

Include mediation and arbitration clauses, specify venue and governing law, and outline attorney fee allocation to encourage efficient resolution and procedures for emergency relief without immediate court involvement.

Amendments

State required form for amendments, whether writing and signatures are required, and whether third-party notices or recording are necessary to effect changes, including notarial acknowledgments where appropriate.

Step-by-step: completing the agreement

Follow these steps to complete a North Carolina Cohabitation Agreement accurately and document mutual expectations.

  • 01
    Prepare Details: List assets, debts, and each party's financial contributions.
  • 02
    Define Ownership: Specify joint or separate ownership and percentages where applicable.
  • 03
    Address Support: State any agreed financial support or expense-sharing arrangements.
  • 04
    Sign & Notarize: Both parties sign, date, and consider notarization for evidentiary strength.

Typical online execution workflow

This online flow details sending, signing, and storing a cohabitation agreement with an evidentiary audit trail.

  • Upload: Upload the completed draft and any exhibits as PDF.
  • Place Fields: Drag signature, date, and initial fields to relevant locations.
  • Send to Signers: Add signer emails, set authentication, and send invitations.
  • Archive: Store signed PDF and certificate of completion in secure repository.

Recommended online workflow settings

Configure an online workflow to collect signatures, attach exhibits, and preserve an audit trail for each executed agreement.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email link with optional SMS code for higher assurance
Auto-Reminders Send reminders at 3 and 7 days after initial invite
Document Retention Retain signed copy and audit trail for minimum seven years
Attach Exhibits Upload schedules, photos, and financial statements as PDFs

Platform capabilities to look for when executing online

Use a secure e-signature platform that preserves an audit trail, supports PDF/A export, and enables role-based signer authentication.

  • File Formats: PDF, Word DOCX, and editable templates supported
  • Integrations: Connectors for Google Workspace and Salesforce
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS code, and ID verification available

Security and compliance considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
HIPAA: BAA required for PHI workflows
ESIGN/UETA: Compliant with ESIGN and UETA standards
Audit Trail: Comprehensive timestamps, IP and event logs
Access Controls: Role-based access and SSO options

Common preparation pitfalls to avoid

  • Relying on informal verbal agreements without documenting financial contributions or property ownership creates ambiguity that courts may not resolve in the couple's favor.
  • Using vague language like 'reasonable share' or 'equitable division' without clear percentages or methods leaves terms open to varied legal interpretations.
  • Failing to update the agreement after significant events—buying property, inheritance, or changes in income—can render provisions obsolete or unfair.
  • Not obtaining independent legal advice may result in unconscionable terms or later challenges to validity based on duress or inadequate disclosure.

Risks and potential consequences of a flawed agreement

Unenforceability: Court may refuse enforcement
Property Claims: Title disputes or creditor liens
Tax Exposure: Incorrect allocation can trigger audits
Support Terms: Promises may be unenforceable
Notary Issues: Missing notarization weakens evidence
Costly Litigation: Disputes lead to attorney fees

Pricing and basic feature comparison for e-signature vendors

Compare common vendor pricing and features relevant to e-signing a North Carolina Cohabitation Agreement; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison guidance.

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 Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Common questions about North Carolina Cohabitation Agreements

Answers to common questions about validity, notarization, signature methods, and updating a North Carolina Cohabitation Agreement.


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