Cohabitation Agreement
COHABITATION AGREEMENTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Did you know that unmarried couples in BC who have lived together for more than two years are subject to the same family laws, rights, and obligations as legally married couples? Consequently, if you are in a common-law relationship, you may want to ensure your income stream and assets are legally protected by signing a Cohabitation Agreement.
Valerie M. Little can help you by drafting a fair and comprehensive Cohabitation Agreement. Like a prenuptial agreement, a Cohabitation Agreement can help you safeguard your finances and possessions before taking the next step in your relationship. Valerie has over 25 years of experience and can advise you on how best to structure the agreement to protect your income and assets. Contact her family law firm today for a private consultation.
Professional Family Law Guidance
A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding contract that protects you and your partner’s financial and legal interests while you are living together. It also sets out each partner’s rights, responsibilities, and obligations if the relationship ends. For instance, without an agreement in place, one partner may have to pay for the other’s credit card bills and debts.
If a Cohabitation Agreement is right for you, Valerie can provide you with guidance and advice as to how to structure the agreement to protect your best interests.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family Lawyer to Draft a Cohabitation Agreement
There are numerous benefits to consulting an experienced family law lawyer when drafting a Cohabitation Agreement. For instance, disputes over assets such as real estate can be complicated and contentious when a relationship ends. If you have a well-thought-out Cohabitation Agreement, both you and your partner will have already agreed upon what will happen to your assets and income once you stop living together. This will avoid surprises and acrimony at the end of your relationship.
Moreover, laws surrounding these agreements vary from one province to the next, and there are many reasons one can be considered invalid. In fact, even the slightest error can void the entire contract. When creating such an important agreement between you and your partner, it is best to have a professional lawyer prepare the agreement. This will increases the chances that the agreement will not be set aside by a Judge in court.
Furthermore, an experienced family lawyer like Valerie can help explain the limitations of your Cohabitation Agreement. She will be able to explain what the agreement can and cannot do. For example, this type of agreement does not cover parenting issues.
Valerie can also help you and your partner revise and update your agreement throughout your relationship. It is especially important to reconsider the terms of your agreement after a major milestone occurs, such as the birth of a child or the fact one spouse is not working after a child is born.
Finally, a Cohabitation Agreement is a complex document that is best drafted by a knowledgeable family lawyer like Valerie. A well-drafted Cohabitation Agreement can be especially beneficial in mitigating future disputes and ensuring wealth and property protection for unmarried couples.
Cohabitation Agreements for Couples Living in British Columbia
Valerie M. Little has drafted many binding Cohabitation Agreements for couples throughout the Lower Mainland of BC. Each agreement is specially hand drafted and created to address each couple’s specific requests and needs. She works with a qualified and compassionate team to ensure you get the best possible service. Contact her today to arrange a confidential consultation and to find out more about how a Cohabitation Agreement could benefit your life.