Cohabitation Agreement

Create a Cohabitation Agreement Online - Complete Guide

A Cohabitation Agreement (also known as a “Living Together Agreement”) is a written contract between people who share a home but are not married or in a civil partnership. It sets out each person’s rights and responsibilities around property, finances, contributions and what happens if the relationship ends or one person moves out.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Cohabitation Agreements - how they work, why they matter, what to include and how to create a clear, legally reliable agreement that protects both partners fairly. It also provides a template-style example and shows how to generate a fully customised Cohabitation Agreement online.

CONTENTS

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement (sometimes called a “Living Together Agreement”) is a written contract between people who share a home but are not married or in a civil partnership. It sets out each person’s rights and responsibilities while living together and clarifies what happens if circumstances change or the relationship ends.

It typically records how the home is owned or contributed to, how rent, bills and household costs are shared, who owns furniture, savings or other assets, and how finances or property would be handled if one partner moves out. The agreement provides certainty, reduces misunderstandings and helps protect each person’s financial position.

In many places, cohabiting partners do not automatically receive the same legal rights as married couples, so a clear written agreement ensures expectations are understood and documented from the start.

Who Needs a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement is useful for anyone who shares a home with a partner, family member or friend and wants clarity around finances, contributions and ownership.

It is especially relevant if you are:

• Living together as an unmarried couple or not in a civil partnership.
• Buying, renting or sharing a property together.
• Contributing unequally to rent, mortgage payments, bills or improvements.
• Bringing personal assets, savings or valuable items into the home.
• Sharing ownership of possessions, pets, vehicles or furniture.
• Blending families, supporting dependants or sharing childcare responsibilities.
• Living in a property owned solely by one partner and wanting to avoid future disputes.
• Planning to make major financial contributions, renovations or joint purchases.

Even in strong relationships, a Cohabitation Agreement helps prevent misunderstandings by setting clear expectations from the start and documenting each person’s rights and responsibilities.

Benefits of a Cohabitation Agreement

A Cohabitation Agreement brings clarity, structure and fairness to a shared home. While most people don’t plan for disagreements, setting out expectations in writing protects both partners emotionally, financially and legally.

Key benefits include:

Clear ownership and contribution records
Defines who owns or contributes to the home, furniture, savings, deposits or major purchases - helping avoid disputes later.

Financial fairness and transparency
Ensures contributions, bills and shared expenses are agreed upfront, especially where one partner pays more than the other.

Reduced conflict if the relationship ends
A written plan for handling separation prevents arguments and uncertainty during an already stressful time.

Protection for children and dependants
Helps document financial arrangements, living plans or responsibilities for children or dependants where relevant.

Security when one partner owns the home
Provides clarity around occupation, contributions and what happens if the homeowner or non-owner partner moves out.

Evidence of intent in legal or financial disputes
A signed agreement can support each partner’s position if issues arise around contributions, ownership or repayment expectations.

Peace of mind and stronger relationship communication
Discussing practicalities upfront often strengthens trust by ensuring both partners understand and agree on responsibilities.

A simple, well-structured Cohabitation Agreement now can prevent confusion, resentment or costly legal challenges in the future.

When to Use a Cohabitation Agreement

A Cohabitation Agreement is useful at any point when two people decide to share a home, finances or responsibilities, but certain situations make it especially important.

You should consider creating one:

Before moving in together
To agree on financial responsibilities, contributions and practical expectations from the start.

When buying or renting a property together
Particularly if contributions to the deposit, mortgage or rent are unequal.

When one partner owns the home
To clarify occupation rights, contributions and what happens if the relationship ends.

If you share or plan to share significant costs
Such as renovations, furniture, improvements or large purchases.

When combining finances or opening joint accounts
To record how savings, debts or shared funds will be handled.

When children or dependants are involved
To outline responsibilities, living arrangements or financial support.

When bringing valuable assets into the relationship
Such as savings, vehicles, investments or inherited property.

A Cohabitation Agreement can be updated at any time. As relationships and financial situations evolve, revisiting the agreement ensures it stays fair, accurate and relevant to both partners.

What to Include in a Cohabitation Agreement

A well-structured Cohabitation Agreement should cover both day-to-day living arrangements and long-term financial considerations.

While every relationship is different, most agreements include the following key areas:

Property ownership and occupation
Who owns the home, how mortgage or rent contributions are made, occupation rights and what happens if one partner moves out.

Deposits, contributions and large payments
How initial deposits, renovations, improvements or significant contributions are recorded and reimbursed if the relationship ends.

Financial responsibilities
How rent, bills, household expenses, insurance and utilities will be shared or divided.

Personal property and shared belongings
Ownership of items such as furniture, electronics, vehicles and valuables - and how jointly purchased items will be treated.

Savings, accounts and debts
Whether bank accounts remain separate or joint, how savings are handled, and how existing or shared debts will be managed.

Pets
Who owns or is responsible for pets, and what happens regarding care or ownership if the relationship ends.

Children and dependants
Financial responsibilities, living arrangements, and agreed parenting or support arrangements (where applicable).

Ending the relationship
What happens to the home, how buy-out arrangements work, how assets will be divided and how contributions will be accounted for.

Dispute resolution
How disagreements will be resolved - for example through discussion, mediation or other agreed processes.

A Cohabitation Agreement is highly flexible and can be tailored to reflect the couple’s priorities, financial circumstances and lifestyle.

Legal Requirements

The legal status of a Cohabitation Agreement depends on the country or region you live in, but most jurisdictions follow similar principles. In general, these agreements are treated as contracts and can be legally enforceable if they meet the usual requirements of a valid agreement.

A Cohabitation Agreement is more likely to be upheld when it:

• Is entered into freely, without pressure or unfair influence.
• Is in writing, signed by both parties.
• Is witnessed properly, where witnessing is recommended or required.
• Contains clear, fair and lawful terms understood by both partners.
• Is created with full financial disclosure, so neither party is misled.
• Reflects both partners’ intentions accurately, without hidden or unfair clauses.

Some countries - including the UK - have additional legal expectations. In the UK, for example, Cohabitation Agreements follow principles of contract law, and courts are more likely to uphold them if the agreement is fair, transparent and prepared with proper understanding.

Although not compulsory, it is generally advisable for each person to consider independent legal advice before signing. This helps demonstrate fairness, reduces the risk of misunderstandings and strengthens the agreement if it is ever reviewed by a court.

How to Create a Cohabitation Agreement

Creating a Cohabitation Agreement involves two parts: understanding the steps involved and choosing the method that suits your situation. The process is straightforward, but each stage needs to be handled carefully to ensure the agreement is clear, fair and legally reliable.

The Steps to Create a Cohabitation Agreement

While requirements vary by jurisdiction, the typical process looks like this:

1. Discuss expectations openly
Talk through contributions, financial responsibilities, ownership, and what should happen if circumstances change or the relationship ends.

2. List assets, debts and contributions
Record property ownership, deposits, savings, personal possessions, existing debts and any upcoming shared purchases.

3. Agree how finances will work day-to-day
Decide how rent, mortgage payments, bills, household expenses and joint costs will be shared.

4. Decide what happens if you separate
Clarify how the home will be dealt with, how buy-out arrangements work, and how belongings or savings will be divided.

5. Put everything in writing
Use a structured framework or guided system to ensure all key areas are covered clearly and consistently.

6. Sign and witness the agreement
Both partners should sign the document and have signatures witnessed where required or recommended.

7. Store the document securely
Keep the agreement somewhere safe and accessible, and update it if your living arrangements, finances or family circumstances change.

These steps help ensure your Cohabitation Agreement is complete, balanced and legally sound.

Different Ways to Create a Cohabitation Agreement

There are several options for producing a Cohabitation Agreement. The right method depends on your budget, complexity and how much legal certainty you want.

DIY Cohabitation Agreements

• Suitable for very simple, low-risk arrangements
• Higher risk of unclear terms, missing clauses or unenforceable sections

Online Cohabitation Agreement Tools

• Guided questionnaires with structured wording
• Fastest and most convenient method
• Ideal for straightforward or moderately complex arrangements
• Produces a customised agreement based on your answers

Contract-Writing or Document Services

• Useful for simple to mid-complexity situations
• Quality varies depending on provider’s legal background

Solicitor-Drafted Cohabitation Agreements

• Highest level of legal precision
• Recommended for complex assets, property ownership, dependants or uneven contributions
• Offers tailored advice and bespoke drafting

Template Packs / Legal Kits

• Provides a basic structure
• Still requires careful completion and correct witnessing

Each method can produce a valid agreement if the terms are clear, fair and properly recorded. The best option is the one that provides the right balance of clarity, protection and ease for your circumstances.

Cost of a Cohabitation Agreement

The cost of a Cohabitation Agreement varies depending on how it is created and how complex the couple’s circumstances are.

Below are typical price ranges:

DIY / self-drafted: Free
(but highest risk of errors or unclear terms)

Template packs / legal kits: £10–£40

Online cohabitation agreement tools: £20–£120
(guided questionnaires with structured wording)

Document-writing or contract services: £50–£250
(quality varies depending on provider)

Solicitor-drafted cohabitation agreements: £400–£1,200+
(higher end for property ownership, children, uneven contributions or large assets)

Cohabitation Agreement Template Example

The example below provides a simple, template-style overview of how a Cohabitation Agreement is commonly structured and the type of information it usually contains. This is for guidance only - your actual agreement should reflect your specific living arrangements, financial contributions and personal circumstances.

This Agreement is made between [Name 1] and [Name 2], who intend to live together at [Address].

The parties agree that:

1. Ownership of the home
Ownership of the property at [Address] shall be held as follows:
[Specify proportions or contribution details].

2. Household costs
Rent, mortgage payments, utilities and household expenses shall be shared as follows:
[Details].

3. Joint purchases and shared items
Any property purchased jointly shall be owned equally or in agreed shares, and divided accordingly if the relationship ends.

4. Personal belongings
Each party retains ownership of personal assets acquired before or during the relationship unless otherwise agreed.

5. Separation arrangements
If the relationship ends, the parties will follow the division of assets and financial arrangements set out in this Agreement.

Signed by the parties on: [Date]

{Party 1} - Signature: ____________________
{Party 2} - Signature: ____________________

Witness (optional):
Name: _______________________
Signature: ____________________
Date: ________________________

Robot Lawyer provides a clear, solicitor-verified system for generating a customised Cohabitation Agreement - structured to reflect your living arrangements, financial responsibilities and ownership rights.

Create a legally reliable Cohabitation Agreement - with Robot Lawyer

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Cohabitation Agreement FAQs

Is a Cohabitation Agreement legally binding?

Generally yes. If the agreement is written clearly, signed, witnessed where appropriate, entered into freely and based on full financial disclosure, courts in many jurisdictions will consider it enforceable under contract law.

Can we make a Cohabitation Agreement after moving in together?

Yes. You can create one at any time - when moving in, after living together for a while, or when circumstances change (e.g., buying property, combining finances or having children).

Does a Cohabitation Agreement replace a will or inheritance planning?

No. A Cohabitation Agreement does not control inheritance. You should still create or update your will to ensure your partner is protected and your wishes are legally recognised.

What if one partner paid most of the deposit or owns the home?

The agreement can document ownership proportions, deposit contributions, occupation rights and what happens if the relationship ends — including buy-out arrangements or repayment terms.

Can we include arrangements for children or dependants?

Yes. While a Cohabitation Agreement cannot replace formal parenting or custody agreements, it can record financial responsibilities, intentions and practical arrangements.

Does a Cohabitation Agreement stand up in court?

Courts are more likely to uphold the agreement if it is fair, clear, properly signed, based on disclosure and created without pressure. Independent legal advice can further strengthen its enforceability.

Can we write our own Cohabitation Agreement?

You can, but DIY agreements often miss essential clauses (ownership, contributions, separation terms, dispute resolution), which can reduce clarity or enforceability. Using a guided system or professional wording helps avoid gaps.

Do we need witnesses or legal advice to make it valid?

Witnessing signatures is recommended, and independent legal advice helps show that both partners understood the terms - improving the agreement’s reliability if ever reviewed.

What happens if our circumstances change?

You can update or replace the agreement at any time. Updates are common when buying a property, changing contributions, combining finances, having children or making major purchases.

Create a Cohabitation Agreement Online

Need a Cohabitation Agreement? Protect your home, finances and future with a solicitor-verified Cohabitation Agreement generated through Robot Lawyer’s guided questionnaire.

How it works:

1. Select Create Document → below to begin.
2. Answer a few questions about your living arrangements, contributions and shared assets.
3. Receive a customised, solicitor-verified Cohabitation Agreement instantly.
4. Review, sign and keep a copy for your records.

Start the questionnaire to generate your document

✔ Tailored to your relationship and living arrangements
✔ Simple to complete and legally compliant
✔ Ready for download and signature today