Collaboration Agreement Template for United States

A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal contract between unmarried partners who live together, spelling out how they'll handle their finances, property, and responsibilities. It works like a prenup for couples who share a home but aren't married, protecting both people's interests and avoiding messy disputes down the road.

These agreements have become increasingly common in the U.S. as more couples choose to live together before or instead of marriage. They typically cover key issues like rent payments, shared property ownership, debt responsibilities, and what happens if the relationship ends. Courts generally enforce these contracts as long as they're properly written and signed by both parties.

A Cohabitation Agreement makes the most sense before moving in together or making major joint purchases. Creating one early helps unmarried couples set clear expectations about finances, property ownership, and household responsibilities when everything is going well - not during a crisis or breakup.

This agreement becomes especially important when partners contribute unequally to home purchases, share business interests, or bring significant assets into the relationship. It's also valuable when one partner owns the home while the other pays toward expenses, or when couples blend families and want to protect their children's inheritance rights.

• Legal Cohabitation Agreement: A comprehensive contract covering all aspects of living together, including daily expenses, property ownership, and mutual obligations
• Cohabitation Property Agreement: Focuses specifically on shared property rights, asset division, and financial investments
• Cohabitation Separation Agreement: Outlines the process and terms for ending the living arrangement and dividing assets
• Prenuptial Agreement For Unmarried Couples: Similar to a traditional prenup but tailored for couples planning long-term cohabitation without marriage
• Separation Agreement For Unmarried Couples: Addresses both property division and ongoing obligations after relationship ends

• Unmarried Couples: The primary parties who sign and are bound by the Cohabitation Agreement, including both same-sex and opposite-sex partners who live together
• Family Law Attorneys: Draft and review agreements to ensure they're legally sound and protect both parties' interests
• Financial Advisors: Help couples structure the financial aspects and asset protection elements of their agreement
• Property Owners: Often one partner who owns the residence and needs to establish clear terms with their cohabiting partner
• Estate Planners: Assist in integrating the agreement with broader inheritance and asset planning strategies

• List All Assets: Gather documentation of individual property, bank accounts, investments, and debts each partner brings to the relationship
• Financial Contributions: Document how shared expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries will be split
• Property Rights: Detail ownership stakes in any jointly purchased items or real estate
• Future Plans: Outline agreements about savings, major purchases, and potential inheritance rights
• Personal Information: Collect full legal names, current addresses, and employment details for both parties
• Exit Strategy: Define how assets and responsibilities will be divided if the relationship ends

• Identification Details: Full legal names, addresses, and clear statement of relationship status
• Property Rights: Detailed listing of separate and joint property, including pre-existing assets
• Financial Obligations: Clear terms for sharing expenses, debts, and financial responsibilities
• Living Arrangements: Specifics about housing, utilities, and household management
• Termination Terms: Process for ending the agreement and dividing assets
• Voluntary Agreement: Statement confirming both parties enter freely without coercion
• Signatures and Date: Properly executed with witnesses or notarization as required by state law

A Cohabitation Agreement differs significantly from an Asset Purchase Agreement, though both deal with property rights. While Cohabitation Agreements govern ongoing living arrangements between unmarried partners, Asset Purchase Agreements handle one-time business transactions for property transfer.

• Legal Relationship: Cohabitation Agreements create a framework for personal relationships and shared living, while Asset Purchase Agreements establish strictly business relationships between buyer and seller
• Duration: Cohabitation Agreements remain active throughout the relationship, whereas Asset Purchase Agreements typically conclude once the transaction is complete
• Property Scope: Cohabitation Agreements cover both current and future shared assets, while Asset Purchase Agreements focus on specific items being transferred
• Enforcement Context: Family courts typically handle Cohabitation Agreement disputes, while commercial courts oversee Asset Purchase Agreement conflicts