Ready-to-Use Cohabitation Agreement Contract Template
This cohabitation agreement contract template helps unmarried partners set out practical arrangements for living together. It covers personal details, shared expenses, property ownership, debts, financial contributions, separation procedures, and signatures, making it easier to create a clear written record of the parties’ intentions.
A cohabitation agreement is a written contract used by unmarried partners who live together or intend to do so. It can record how the parties will manage expenses, property, debts, and financial arrangements during the relationship and if they separate. A carefully completed agreement helps reduce uncertainty by documenting expectations in clear terms. It should be adapted to the parties’ circumstances and the law that applies where they live.
What a Cohabitation Agreement Is
A cohabitation agreement, sometimes called a living together agreement, is a private contract between partners who are not married or in a civil partnership. Its purpose is to identify assets, responsibilities, and arrangements that the parties wish to govern in writing.
It does not automatically replace statutory rights or formal legal procedures. In many jurisdictions, enforceability depends on factors such as voluntary consent, full financial disclosure, fairness, and compliance with applicable formalities.
When It Is Useful
This document is particularly useful when partners contribute different amounts toward housing, own property individually, have children from previous relationships, operate a business, or want a clear plan for joint expenses. It may also assist partners who want to distinguish personal assets from jointly acquired assets.
Information to Include
The agreement should identify both partners accurately and state the date and place of signature. It should then describe the household, financial contributions, property arrangements, liabilities, and the process the parties intend to follow if cohabitation ends.
| Document field | Purpose | Common error |
|---|---|---|
| Full legal names | Identifies the contracting parties | Using nicknames or incomplete names |
| Home address | States the shared residence | Failing to update it after moving |
| Property schedule | Records ownership of key assets | Leaving out valuable personal property |
| Expense contributions | Sets out who pays household costs | Using vague terms such as “equally” without detail |
| Separation arrangements | Provides a process if cohabitation ends | Ignoring debts and access to joint accounts |
Financial and Property Arrangements
The parties should specify whether rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, insurance, repairs, and other household costs will be shared equally or according to a stated proportion. They should also state whether payments toward a home create any ownership interest.
Separate and Joint Assets
A clear distinction between separate property and jointly owned property can prevent disputes. Separate property may include assets owned before cohabitation, gifts, inheritances, and property expressly kept in one partner’s name, subject to local law and the wording of the agreement.
- List significant assets owned before living together.
- State how rent, mortgage, and utility costs will be paid.
- Identify joint bank accounts and their intended purpose.
- Record responsibility for personal and joint debts.
- Describe how jointly purchased items will be divided.
Editable template
Document template
COHABITATION AGREEMENT
Place: ____________________ Date: ____________________
This Cohabitation Agreement is made between:
First Partner: ____________________, of ____________________, identification number ____________________.
Second Partner: ____________________, of ____________________, identification number ____________________.
The parties state that they are living together, or intend to live together, at: ____________________.
| Variable | Agreed details |
|---|---|
| Start date of cohabitation | ____________________ |
| Shared residence | ____________________ |
| Monthly household expenses | ____________________ |
| Contribution of First Partner | ____________________ |
| Contribution of Second Partner | ____________________ |
| Joint property or assets | ____________________ |
| Joint debts or liabilities | ____________________ |
| Notice period on separation | ____________________ |
- Purpose. The parties enter into this agreement to record their arrangements while living together and in the event their cohabitation ends.
- Separate property. Property owned by either party before cohabitation, and property identified as separate in an attached schedule, shall remain that party’s separate property, subject to applicable law.
- Household expenses. The parties shall contribute to rent, mortgage, utilities, food, insurance, repairs, and other household expenses as stated in the table above or as otherwise agreed in writing.
- Joint property. Property acquired jointly during cohabitation shall be owned and divided in accordance with the ownership shares or arrangements stated in this agreement and any supporting records.
- Debts. Each party remains responsible for debts in that party’s sole name unless the parties expressly agree otherwise in writing. Joint debts shall be paid as follows: ____________________.
- Separation. If cohabitation ends, the parties shall make reasonable efforts to settle outstanding household expenses, return separate property, and divide joint property according to this agreement.
- Amendments. Any amendment to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
- Governing law. This agreement shall be interpreted under the law of: ____________________.
Additional terms:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Signed voluntarily by the parties on the date stated above.
____________________________
First Partner
Date: ____________________
____________________________
Second Partner
Date: ____________________
____________________________
Witness, if required
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
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How to Complete the Template
Complete the form only after both parties have discussed their intentions openly. Use precise language, attach schedules where needed, and avoid assumptions about ownership simply because an item is located in the shared home.
- Enter the parties’ full names, addresses, and the date of the agreement.
- List relevant separate assets, joint assets, debts, and regular expenses.
- Choose and write the agreed contribution and ownership arrangements.
- Review the completed document, sign it voluntarily, and retain copies.
Each partner should read the completed agreement carefully and consider obtaining independent legal advice before signing, especially where property, children, or substantial debts are involved.
Signing and Keeping Records
Both parties should sign and date the agreement after having a reasonable opportunity to review it. Depending on the jurisdiction, witnessing, notarisation, or additional formalities may improve evidential value or be required for particular provisions.
Keep the signed original in a secure place and give each partner a copy. Review the agreement after major changes, such as buying a home, having a child, receiving an inheritance, or changing employment circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cohabitation agreement the same as marriage?
No. It is a contract for unmarried partners and does not create a marriage or civil partnership. Legal rights and obligations vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Can the agreement cover a jointly purchased home?
It can record the parties’ intentions regarding contributions and ownership, but real estate arrangements may require additional documents, registration, or legal formalities under local law.
Can the agreement be changed later?
Yes. Partners can usually amend it by a later written agreement signed by both parties, provided that the amendment complies with the applicable legal requirements.