It is becoming more and more common for couples involved in long term relationships to remain unmarried. Many unmarried couples purchase homes together, live together, have children together, and generally enjoy the commitment of a marriage without legally marrying. For these unmarried couples, that can create a complex legal relationship in the event of a break-up or major life event.
Today, our unmarried couples’ rights lawyers will explain what cohabitation agreements are, what they can include, and when couples should consider entering into a cohabitation agreement.
Morris County, NJ Unmarried Couples’ Lawyers Define Cohabitation Agreement
It is an often stated reason for remaining unmarried that couples want to keep their lives simple. By remaining legally separate, they feel that they are retaining their legal rights and independence. While this is true to a point, it is also true that this can lead to extremely complex legal situations in the case of a break-up, medical emergency, and more.
Cohabitation agreements can serve to give unmarried couples some of the same legal rights as married couples. They also provide couples with the flexibility to come up with their own unique terms that fit their lifestyles and their relationship. Beyond high level laws which govern what can and cannot be included in cohabitation agreements, these documents are able to be highly personalized.
What can be Covered by a New Jersey Cohabitation Agreement?
Your Morris County cohabitation agreement attorney may be able to include all of the following within your cohabitation agreement:
- How commingled assets will be divided in the case of a break-up
- Considerations similar to alimony which is sometimes called palimony which can provide financially for an ex in the event of a break-up
- Arrangements for property designation in the event that either party dies
- Current child custody and child support terms. It is important to understand that these agreements can only pertain to current events, and are not meant to be contingent terms in the event of a break-up
- The right of a partner to make medical decisions, granting a partner power of attorney, etc.
- The right of a partner to inherit wealth, be an insurance beneficiary, etc.
Chester Non-Marital Agreement Attorneys Discuss when to Consider Cohabitation Agreements
Your Chester non-marital agreement attorney may recommend a cohabitation agreement to any unmarried couples who are living together or plan on living together. Even if you believe you may get married at some point in the future, cohabitation agreements can be beneficial. However, cohabitation agreements will generally not hold up legally after you and your partner are married.
Cohabitation agreements are especially beneficial for unmarried parents, couples who do not plan on marrying, and those who have heavily commingled assets. Additionally, your cohabitation agreement can be as complex or simple as your and your partner desire. Many couples with relatively straightforward financial and personal relationships may want to consider a cohabitation agreement which covers basic terms like who gets the TV or who gets the family pet in the event of a separation.
Contact our Morristown Cohabitation Agreement Attorneys Today
At Laufer, Dalena, Cadicina, Jensen & Bradley, our non-marital agreement legal team has extensive experience serving clients from Morris County towns such as Chatham, Morristown, Chester, Mendham, Morris Township, Harding, Morris Plains, and across all of Northern New Jersey. Our firm is built on the concept that legal service should be tailored to each individual concept. We take pride in offering compassionate, experienced, knowledgable, and aggressive legal advocacy for all our divorce and family law clients.
To learn more about cohabitation agreements and how they might be right for you and your partner, please contact us online or through our Morristown, NJ office by calling 973-975-4043 today for a free and confidential consultation.
