Cohabitation Agreement Ontario Example: What You Need to Know

Cohabitation agreements are becoming increasingly popular among couples who choose to live together but are not married. A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that outlines the financial and domestic arrangements between two people who are living together but are not married. This agreement can be used to protect the rights of both parties and avoid any disputes that may arise in the future.

If you are planning to move in with your partner in Ontario, Canada, it is important to understand the basics of a cohabitation agreement. In this article, we will provide you with an example of a cohabitation agreement that you can use as a guide when drafting your own.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between two people who are living together but are not married. This agreement covers a wide range of issues, including financial obligations, property division, and rights and responsibilities.

A cohabitation agreement is not compulsory for couples who are living together, but it is highly recommended. This agreement can protect both parties should their relationship end in the future.

What Should Be Included in a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement should cover the following:

1. Financial Obligations: This section should outline the financial contributions of each party towards the household expenses. It should also specify who will be responsible for paying the bills, mortgage, and other expenses.

2. Property Division: This section should outline how the couple will divide their property if they decide to end their relationship. It should specify who will keep the shared property and how any joint debts will be settled.

3. Rights and Responsibilities: This section should outline the rights and responsibilities of each party in the relationship. It should specify who will be responsible for household chores, childcare, and other daily responsibilities.

Cohabitation Agreement Ontario Example

Here is an example of a cohabitation agreement that you can use as a guide:

Financial Obligations

1. The parties agree to share household expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, and other expenses, equally.

2. Each party will be responsible for paying their own personal expenses, including credit card bills, car payments, and other debts.

3. If either party experiences a change in their financial situation, they will notify the other party and renegotiate their financial obligations.

Property Division

1. The parties agree that any property acquired during the relationship will be jointly owned.

2. If the relationship ends, the parties agree to divide the property equally.

3. The parties agree that any joint debts incurred during the relationship will be divided equally.

Rights and Responsibilities

1. The parties agree to share household chores and responsibilities equally.

2. The parties agree to communicate openly and honestly with each other.

3. The parties agree to respect each other`s privacy and personal space.

Conclusion

A cohabitation agreement is an important legal document that can protect both parties in a relationship. It is important to consult a lawyer when drafting a cohabitation agreement to ensure that the document is legally binding. With the above example, you can have a better understanding of what a cohabitation agreement looks like and what it should include.