Domestic Partnership

Cohabitation Agreement Generator

Generate a comprehensive cohabitation agreement for unmarried couples. Define property rights, financial arrangements, expense sharing, debt allocation, support obligations, dispute resolution, and separation terms with a professional legal document.

About This Cohabitation Agreement Generator

I built this cohabitation agreement generator to help unmarried couples who live together protect their individual and shared financial interests. Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners have very limited legal protections when it comes to property division, financial obligations, and support upon separation. Without a written agreement, partners may face costly litigation and unpredictable outcomes if the relationship ends.

This generator produces a comprehensive cohabitation agreement that covers all critical areas: party identification, property rights for both separate and shared assets, financial arrangements including expense sharing and bank account management, real property provisions, personal property allocation, debt responsibility, support obligation waivers or provisions, dispute resolution mechanisms, termination and separation procedures, children-related provisions where applicable, healthcare decision-making authority, pet custody, and governing law.

Every field updates the live preview instantly, so you can see exactly how your agreement will look before downloading. The generator uses dynamic section numbering and produces a document of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 words with proper legal formatting, signature blocks, and a notary acknowledgment section. Whether you are moving in together for the first time or have been cohabiting for years, this tool generates a professional document that protects both partners.

Key features include: conditional sections that adapt based on your selections, comprehensive property ownership provisions, flexible expense splitting arrangements, detailed debt allocation terms, multiple dispute resolution options, configurable termination notice periods, pet custody provisions, and dual signature blocks with optional notary acknowledgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cohabitation agreement legally enforceable?

Yes, cohabitation agreements are generally enforceable in most U.S. states, provided they meet basic contract requirements: both parties enter voluntarily, there is consideration, the terms are not unconscionable, and both parties had the opportunity to consult independent legal counsel. Some states require the agreement to be in writing and signed by both parties.

What is the difference between a cohabitation agreement and a prenuptial agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is for unmarried couples living together, while a prenuptial agreement is for couples planning to marry. Cohabitation agreements are governed by general contract law, whereas prenuptial agreements fall under family law statutes. If cohabiting partners later marry, they may want to replace their cohabitation agreement with a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

What should a cohabitation agreement cover?

A comprehensive agreement should address property ownership, financial arrangements, housing, debt allocation, real and personal property, support obligations, healthcare decisions, pet custody, dispute resolution, termination provisions, and governing law. The more detailed the agreement, the less room for future disputes.

Do both partners need separate lawyers?

While not always legally required, it is strongly recommended that each partner consult their own independent attorney. Having separate counsel helps ensure fairness, understanding, and enforceability. An agreement where both parties had independent counsel is much more likely to be upheld by a court.

Can a cohabitation agreement address children and custody?

The agreement can include provisions about financial responsibilities for children, but courts generally will not enforce custody or visitation provisions in a private contract. Child custody is always determined based on the best interests of the child at the time of separation.

What happens if we break up without a cohabitation agreement?

Without an agreement, separating partners face significant legal uncertainty. Unlike married couples with divorce laws, unmarried partners have no statutory framework for dividing assets. Disputes may require expensive litigation with unpredictable outcomes. A cohabitation agreement provides clarity and predictability.

Common Uses for Cohabitation Agreements