Legal Help With Cohabitation Agreements in Northern Virginia
It is highly recommended that you seek legal advice for a cohabitation situation with a partner. Contrary to popular belief, cohabitation instead of marriage does not always make for an easier separation, should that time ever come. In truth, couples living together and sharing home-making responsibilities should consider protecting the assets of each party, as well as discerning ownership of shared assets in the event of a separation.
Our Virginia family and divorce law firm has extensive experience helping couples write cohabitation agreements. Attorney Claudia J. Zucker guides her clients towards fair decisions regarding their assets, and helps them achieve a lasting peace of mind when neither party is vengeful nor emotional.
The Truth About Cohabitation Agreements
From a legal perspective, it is completely up to cohabiting couples to take all necessary steps to put their relationship in a legally binding contract. This is because there is no such thing as common law marriage and, according to the law, a cohabiting couple of adults are treated as two individuals unless they specify otherwise in a cohabitation agreement.
If a break-up is amicable, then there is nothing to worry about. However, a simple disagreement over who gets what can lead to serious conflict and frustration. With the help of your attorney, cohabitation agreements can provide clarity for both parties.
What Should Your Cohabitation Agreement Cover?
It is without doubt that an experienced attorney can greatly reduce time and energy given to determining the terms of a cohabitation agreement. The Law Firm of Claudia J. Zucker has extensive experience helping couples write custom agreements. We recommend an agreement to cover three basic areas:
Children: as top priority, a cohabitation agreement should specify what arrangements are to be made for the guardianship of children in the event of a parent’s death, as well as custody and financial support in the event of a break-up.
Property: the cohabitation agreement should list what property can be sold and what is divided between the two parties. This is always where it is listed what sentimental items and personally owned items will remain with the owner if the relationship ends.
Finances: a cohabitation agreement should always cover jointly owned assets, bank accounts, stocks, loans, etc. Alternatively, couples can choose to keep all this completely separate.
The family and divorce law office of Claudia J. Zucker in Arlington County, VA is experienced and ready to help you write a custom cohabitation agreement. We assist domestic partners, same-sex couples, and other non-married couples determine cohabitation agreements that work well for everyone involved. Contact our Virginia law firm to discuss how these legal arrangements can make it easier to talk about the hard-to-talk-about stuff, such as finances and the possibility of separation. We can help you remove any awkwardness or discomfort, so you can move forward with confidence in your relationship.
Contact US—Virginia Cohabitation Agreement Attorneys
If you are in a relationship in Virginia and have legal questions regarding prenups or cohabitation agreements, contact us to schedule a consultation with our experienced family lawyer today at (703) 596-1005.
