Some reports suggest that more than three-fourths of couples are now living together prior to marriage. If you are living with your partner as a trial period before marrying or have chosen not to get married, you could benefit from an experienced marital contract attorney’s help in drafting a cohabitation agreement.
Texas law recognizes and enforces cohabitation agreements that meet the criteria for enforceable contracts in the state, including being fair and equitable. If you and your partner are living together, reach out to a cohabitation agreement lawyer in The Colony for a customized contract that serves your mutual interests and meets all of the state’s requirements.
Most cohabitation agreements will include provisions identifying or defining:
No two relationships are identical, meaning a generic cohabitation agreement is unlikely to sufficiently serve both parties’ interests. An experienced cohabitation agreements lawyer in The Colony is the best resource for couples wanting to draft a tailored contract that reflects each party’s concerns.
Common law or informal marriages are recognized under state law. Along with evidence that you have lived together as spouses for a period of time and have consistently told other people that you consider yourselves to be married, a cohabitation agreement may be proof of a common law union, particularly if it expresses your intent to marry. Alternatively, an attorney in The Colony could ensure your cohabitation contract expressly states that you and your partner do not want to be in a common law marriage if preferred.
A cohabitation agreement can also reflect a couple’s rights regarding physical and legal custody of children, including child-related finances and each party’s participation in parenting. However, a court has the authority to alter childcare terms and conditions if the provisions of the agreement are contrary to state law or deemed not to be in the child’s best interests.
Couples who live together without defining their rights and obligations in a cohabitation agreement may miss out on certain legal protections. Furthermore, if your relationship ends, the absence of a plan to manage your separation may lead to acrimony over expenses and breakup remedies.
You could avoid these problems by retaining a knowledgeable lawyer in The Colony to negotiate a sound and reasonable cohabitation agreement on your behalf.
Our cohabitation agreements lawyers in The Colony represent individuals in all family law matters. Our firm’s experience in handling cohabitation contracts could help you protect your best interests.
Towson Law Firm, PLLC provides personalized and dedicated attention to all of our clients. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about the value of a cohabitation agreement.
Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.
