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New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire.

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

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this by .

______________________________

Notary Public

Print Name:

My commission expires:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this by .

______________________________

Notary Public

Print 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

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: 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:

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

Exhibit “B” - Personal Financial Disclosure Statement

To: Date:

Individual Information

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: 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:

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

Enter text

What the New Hampshire Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement Is

The New Hampshire Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement is a private, written contract that documents property, financial, and household arrangements between unmarried partners who live together in New Hampshire. It lets partners specify ownership of assets, responsibility for debts, division of expenses, support obligations, and procedures for separation or transfer of property without resorting to family court. While not a substitute for a marriage license, the agreement creates enforceable contractual rights when drafted clearly, signed by both parties, and retained according to legal standards. This page explains contents, execution steps, state-specific considerations, and electronic signing options.

Why a Written Cohabitation Agreement Matters

A written cohabitation agreement clarifies ownership, reduces disputes, and sets expectations for finances and support. It can simplify separation, aid enforceability in contract disputes, and provide clear evidence of parties' intent when reviewed by courts or private attorneys.

Why a Written Cohabitation Agreement Matters

Who Typically Uses a New Hampshire Cohabitation Agreement

This agreement is used by unmarried couples, property owners living together, and individuals seeking predictable financial arrangements without marriage.

  • Unmarried romantic partners clarifying property allocations, expense sharing, and support expectations.
  • Couples combining finances who want written rules for bank accounts and debt responsibility.
  • Co-owners of real property or personal property documenting ownership shares and exit plans.

Use the agreement when you want written rules for ownership, expense sharing, support, or exit mechanics to reduce later uncertainty and litigation risk.

Key Roles Involved

Family Law Attorney

Represents one or both partners during drafting and review, recommends clauses to protect assets and clarify support, and may notarize or witness execution. Attorneys advise on state contract law, fairness, and enforceability to reduce later litigation risk.

Unmarried Partner

One or both parties use the agreement to record intentions about property division, debt responsibility, household expenses, and dispute resolution. Each signer should ensure name accuracy, initial changes, and retain a signed copy for legal evidence.

Core Elements to Include in the Agreement

A professional New Hampshire Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreement clearly allocates property rights, financial duties, support terms, dispute resolution, amendment procedures, and termination mechanics for unmarried partners.

Property Allocation

Specify which assets are separate versus jointly owned, detail ownership percentages for shared property, and include procedures for transferring or selling property upon separation or termination.

Debt Responsibility

State each party's responsibility for pre-existing and incurred debts, including joint accounts, credit cards, and loans; clarify indemnity and repayment schedules to avoid future disputes.

Expense Sharing

Define how household expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and childcare costs are divided; include percentage splits or fixed contributions and procedures for adjustments.

Support Terms

If applicable, state any temporary or periodic support obligations, duration limits, and termination triggers; avoid vague phrasing that courts could later interpret inconsistently.

Dispute Resolution

Include mediation or arbitration clauses, choice of law and venue (New Hampshire), and steps for informal resolution before litigation to reduce court involvement and costs.

Amendment & Termination

Describe how to amend the agreement, required consents, notice procedures, and the mechanics for voluntary termination or automatic expiration upon stated events.

Step-by-Step: From Draft to Signed Agreement

Follow these steps to prepare, execute, and preserve an enforceable cohabitation agreement in New Hampshire.

  • 01
    Draft: Outline property, debts, support, and dispute procedures.
  • 02
    Review: Each party obtains independent legal counsel review.
  • 03
    Sign: Both parties sign and date in ink or electronically.
  • 04
    Store: Keep executed copies with notarization and digital backups.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Configure your online workflow to capture signatures, apply authentication, and route copies to relevant parties automatically.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link with optional SMS code verification
Signing Order Specify sequential or parallel signer routing
Conditional Fields Show fields based on prior answers or roles
Storage & Copies Automatically save PDF to cloud and send recipients

Technical and Integration Considerations

Ensure parties have a modern browser, stable internet connection, and a device capable of viewing PDFs and completing electronic signatures.

  • Browser & Device: Modern browser and PDF-capable device required
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, or KBA available
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace

Where to Send and File the Signed Agreement

After execution, route copies to counsel and retain originals; notify banks, property registries, or third parties if the agreement affects recorded interests.

  • Send to Counsel: Provide final signed copy to both attorneys.
  • Bank Notification: Share ownership or account terms with financial institutions.
  • Record Changes: File deeds or title changes with county registry when required.
  • Store Copies: Keep notarized original and encrypted digital backup

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Comparison

Compare typical eSignature vendor starting prices and feature differences relevant to executing cohabitation agreements electronically.

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 Varies Varies Varies
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 Varies Varies

Best Practices to Strengthen Enforceability

Best practices reduce risk and increase enforceability when drafting and executing cohabitation agreements in New Hampshire.

Independent counsel for each party
Each party should consult separate legal counsel to confirm understanding, fairness, and voluntariness. Independent advice reduces risk of later claims of coercion or unconscionability and strengthens enforceability in court.
Full financial disclosure and schedules
Attach schedules listing all assets, liabilities, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and property. Full disclosure prevents surprise claims, supports factual accuracy, and allows courts to evaluate fairness when enforcing or reviewing the agreement.
Clear amendment and termination clauses
Specify procedures for amendments, required consents, notice periods, and events that terminate the agreement. Clear mechanics avoid ambiguity and streamline dispute resolution without court intervention.
Consider notarization and witnesses
Although not always required, notarization and witness signatures provide stronger evidentiary weight. For electronic signing, use platforms that capture timestamps, signer authentication, and audit trails conforming to ESIGN and UETA.

Common Preparation Challenges to Avoid

  • Failing to list all assets and separate property leads to disputes over ownership and weakens enforceability during separation or litigation.
  • Using vague language for spousal support or expense sharing creates ambiguity that courts may interpret against the drafter, increasing litigation risk.
  • Not obtaining independent legal advice for each party can result in claims of unfairness or duress, jeopardizing contract validity.
  • Neglecting to update the agreement after major financial or family changes renders terms obsolete and complicates enforcement.

Potential Legal Risks of an Incorrect Agreement

Unenforceable Terms: Overly vague provisions risk invalidation
Missing Signatures: Unsigned or unsworn agreements may fail
Improper Execution: No notarization when required weakens proof
Hidden Debts: Undisclosed obligations cause disputes
Tax Implications: Transfer of assets may trigger reporting
Fraud Claims: Coerced or misrepresented consent invalidates

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption in Transit: TLS 1.2 and 1.3 protocols
Encryption at Rest: AES-256 encryption of stored data
HIPAA: Supports HIPAA with BAA available
ESIGN and UETA: Compliant with ESIGN and UETA
Certifications: ISO 27001; SOC 2 Type II
21 CFR Part 11: Controls available for FDA records

Practical Examples of How Parties Use These Agreements

Real-world examples illustrate typical uses of cohabitation agreements and practical outcomes in disputes or property transfers.

Private Property Settlement

A long-term unmarried couple formalized ownership shares for a jointly purchased home before one partner invested in a business.

  • Agreement specified percentages and buyout terms.
  • When partners separated three years later, the written agreement allowed a negotiated buyout based on the stated formula, avoiding costly litigation and clarifying tax consequences for the property sale and transfer.

Avoiding Disputes Over Debt

Two partners agreed in writing which party would assume student loan obligations and how joint expenses are shared to prevent future disagreement.

  • Documented responsibility for specific debts.
  • Months later a creditor sought payment; the agreement provided clear evidence of who agreed to repay which loans, enabling efficient resolution and limiting exposure to the uninvolved partner and legal counsel.

Key Milestones and Processing Stages

Typical milestones for executing and storing a cohabitation agreement ensure clear timelines from negotiation to long-term retention.

01

Negotiation & Drafting

Negotiate terms, prepare initial draft, and exchange financial disclosures.

02

Legal Review

Each party obtains counsel and suggests revisions.

03

Execution & Authentication

Sign, date, notarize, and capture electronic audit trail.

04

Storage & Notification

Distribute signed copies to parties and relevant institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Cohabitation Agreements

Answers to frequent questions about drafting, signing, and enforcing New Hampshire Non-Marital Cohabitation Agreements, including electronic execution and retention.


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