Cohabitation Agreements in BC: What They Cover and Why They Matter

It can be exciting to move in together with your significant other but it also comes with important legal considerations. A cohabitation agreement can protect both partners by clearly outlining financial responsibilities, property rights and how matters are resolved if the relationship ends. At Valerie M. Little Law Corporation, Valerie can assist you by creating a fair, customized and understandable agreement that will help to provide  clarity of the rights, obligations and expectations in the relationship. Valerie has extensive experience in family law, from property division and separation agreements to spousal support and child “custody”.  Valerie’s law firm combines legal expertise with a trauma-informed approach that supports your emotional and legal well-being every step of the way.

What Is a Cohabitation Agreement in BC?

A cohabitation agreement in BC is a legal contract between two people who live together in a marriage-like relationship but are not married. This agreement clearly sets out each partner’s rights and responsibilities regarding property, finances, support, and other matters should the relationship end or change. It differs from a prenuptial agreement, which applies to couples before marriage, but both serve to protect individuals in family law matters.

At Valerie M. Little Law Corporation, Valerie will ensure that your cohabitation agreement complies with BC’s Family Law Act and reflects your specific needs and concerns. It helps to have a legally binding cohabitation agreement so you have a better chance of avoiding future costly legal disputes.  A signed and legally binding agreement typically brings peace of mind to couples who are building their life together.

Why Is a Cohabitation Agreement Important?

A cohabitation agreement is important because it provides certainty and protection for both parties. Here’s why Valerie recommends that couples consider this agreement before or while living together:

• Protects Property Rights: Clarifies who owns what property and how assets and debts will be divided if the relationship ends.

• Defines Financial Responsibilities: Establishes how expenses, bills, and debts are shared or not during the relationship.

• Spousal Support Arrangements: Sets expectations for financial support if one partner becomes financially dependent.

• Addresses Parenting and Guardianship Issues: Helps clarify arrangements if children or step-children are involved, including parenting decisions and what contributions, if any, will be made for their support. considerations.

• Reduces Conflict: Reduces future disagreements at the time of relationship breakdown so continued conflict post-separation is minimized or eliminated.

  
  

As a New Westminster divorce and agreements lawyer, Valerie M. Little Law frequently assists one party in the relationship in reviewing  agreements prepared by your future partner’s lawyer. She will review the agreement for content and fairness.  She will ensure it accurately reflects her client’s wishes and she will ensure it is drafted in clear and understandable terms.

Situations When a Cohabitation Agreement Is Particularly Helpful

Not every couple thinks about a cohabitation agreement, but certain situations make it especially wise to have one in place. These include:

• the purchase real estate.

• combining assets to create significant financial investments together.

• where one party owns a business.

• where one party has significantly greater income or assets than the other party.

where one party is likely expected to receive an inheritances or family gifts during the relationship.

• individuals with children from previous relationships where child support needs to be clarified.

• where the couple plans to start or expand their family on their own or by adoption;

• those seeking clarity on spousal support rights in cases of separation or grey divorce.

• where one party is concerned about debts, liabilities, or obligations of their partner.

In all these cases, having a cohabitation agreement protects both partners and helps navigate the complex legal terrain of family law.

Valerie M. Little also offers mediation and collaborative divorce lawyer services to assist couples in reaching agreements amicably.

Valerie assists couples throughout Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Surrey, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Vancouver, West Vancouver, West Vancouver, White Rock, Richmond, Delta, Ladner, Squamish, and Whistler.

If you are considering living together and want to protect your rights and relationships, contact Valerie M. Little Law Corporation to discuss how a cohabitation agreement may benefit you.