Are you preparing to move in with your significant other for the first time? It’s becoming more popular among couples these days to create cohabitation agreements that set certain ground rules and protect each partner’s rights and property.
If you think a cohabitation agreement may be right for you, keep the following tips in mind:
- Cover all the basics: Your cohabitation agreement can cover just about anything you wish, but it should for sure include basic details and agreements regarding your money and property. Outline the items of value that belong to each person or that are shared between you. Cover how you will split expenses and how you will make joint purchases.
- Know the limits: There are certain things you should never attempt to work into a cohabitation agreement. For example, it’s not the place to determine who will be responsible for chores, who will take care of a pet or other day-to-day issues. These are things you should communicate with your partner about outside the confines of a written contract. You should also never include anything related to sex or intimacy.
- Get legal advice for valuable assets: If one or both of you has significant valuable assets, especially if there is a major imbalance of wealth in the relationship, it is highly advisable that you consult an attorney to help you prepare the agreement to navigate the complexities associated with a larger asset.
- Include information about how you’ll resolve disputes: Establish general rules for how you will resolve disagreements and disputes. This will make it much easier for you to work through arguments when they arise.
To learn more about developing a cohabitation agreement with your significant other, meet with a skilled Minnesota attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.