Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Cohabitation Agreement
I need a cohabitation agreement that outlines the financial responsibilities and property rights of both parties living together, including how expenses will be shared and the process for resolving disputes. The agreement should also address the division of assets in the event of separation, without any legal recognition of marriage.
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal contract between unmarried partners who live together in Singapore, spelling out their rights and responsibilities during their shared living arrangement. It covers key aspects like property ownership, financial obligations, and how to handle shared assets if the relationship ends.
Under Singapore law, these agreements help protect both partners since unmarried couples don't have the same legal rights as married ones. While not as common as in Western countries, these contracts are gaining popularity among young professionals and elderly partners who choose to live together without marriage, especially for managing joint property purchases and shared financial commitments.
When should you use a Cohabitation Agreement?
Create a Cohabitation Agreement before moving in together, especially when buying property jointly or sharing significant financial responsibilities in Singapore. This agreement becomes essential when unmarried couples plan to combine assets, share mortgage payments, or make substantial joint purchases.
It's particularly important for couples who want clear financial boundaries, those buying private property under the Joint Singles Scheme, or partners contributing unequal amounts to shared expenses. Getting this agreement in place early helps prevent disputes about money, property division, and household responsibilities - and provides crucial protection if the relationship ends.
What are the different types of Cohabitation Agreement?
- Cohabitation Prenuptial Agreement: Comprehensive agreement focusing on asset protection and financial arrangements before moving in together, especially suitable for couples with significant pre-existing assets or business interests
- Prenuptial Agreement For Unmarried Couples: Simpler version emphasizing day-to-day living arrangements and basic property division, ideal for young couples or those with straightforward financial situations who want basic protections
Who should typically use a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Unmarried Couples: Primary parties who create and sign the Cohabitation Agreement to protect their interests when living together, especially those buying property or sharing significant assets
- Family Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure legal compliance and fair terms for both parties
- Property Agents: Often recommend these agreements when helping unmarried couples purchase property under joint ownership schemes
- Financial Advisors: Guide clients on financial terms and asset protection strategies within the agreement
- Mediators: Help resolve disputes using the agreement's terms if relationship issues arise
How do you write a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Property Details: List all jointly owned assets, including property addresses, ownership percentages, and purchase documents
- Financial Information: Gather records of savings, investments, debts, and monthly contribution plans for shared expenses
- Living Arrangements: Document responsibilities for household duties, bill payments, and maintenance costs
- Future Planning: Outline agreed terms for property division and financial settlements if the relationship ends
- Legal Requirements: Use our platform to generate a compliant agreement that includes all mandatory elements under Singapore law
- Documentation: Collect identity documents and proof of address for both parties
What should be included in a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, identification numbers, and current addresses of both partners
- Property Rights: Clear statements about ownership shares, contribution arrangements, and property management
- Financial Terms: Detailed breakdown of shared expenses, savings plans, and debt responsibilities
- Separation Provisions: Specific procedures for asset division and financial settlement if cohabitation ends
- Dispute Resolution: Agreed method for resolving disagreements, typically through mediation first
- Execution Requirements: Signature blocks, witness details, and dated acknowledgments
- Governing Law: Explicit statement that Singapore law governs the agreement
What's the difference between a Cohabitation Agreement and an Accountability Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement differs significantly from an Accountability Agreement in both purpose and legal implications under Singapore law. While both documents establish responsibilities between parties, their applications are quite different.
- Legal Status: Cohabitation Agreements specifically protect unmarried couples' rights and assets, while Accountability Agreements focus on business or professional relationships
- Scope of Coverage: Cohabitation Agreements deal with shared living arrangements, property division, and domestic finances, whereas Accountability Agreements outline professional duties and performance metrics
- Duration: Cohabitation Agreements typically last until relationship termination or marriage, while Accountability Agreements often have fixed terms with renewal options
- Enforcement Method: Cohabitation Agreements are usually enforced through civil courts or mediation, while Accountability Agreements commonly use internal dispute resolution mechanisms
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
Genie’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.