Cohabitation Agreements
A cohabitation agreement is a written contract between unmarried partners that outlines how certain matters will be handled during the relationship and if it ends. In Florida, these agreements are generally enforceable when they are properly drafted and entered into voluntarily.
A cohabitation agreement does not take away from the personal nature of your relationship. Instead, it provides structure and understanding, helping both partners feel more secure about shared decisions.
What a Cohabitation Agreement Covers
A cohabitation agreement can be tailored to your specific situation. It can address issues that couples often assume will work themselves out, but which can cause confusion later.
Common topics include:
- How property is owned and divided
- Responsibility for rent, mortgage payments, and household expenses
- Ownership of personal items and major purchases
- Handling of joint bank accounts or shared debts
- What happens if one partner moves out
- Expectations related to financial support
These agreements focus on financial and property matters. In Florida, issues involving children, such as custody or child support, are handled separately and cannot be permanently decided by a cohabitation agreement.
How Florida Law Treats Cohabitation Agreements
Florida does not recognize common-law marriage, but it does allow unmarried couples to enter into private contracts. Cohabitation agreements are reviewed under standard contract principles. This means they must be clear, fair, and supported by full disclosure of relevant financial information.
Courts may look closely at whether both partners understood the agreement and had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice. A carefully prepared agreement helps reduce future disputes and provides a written reference if questions arise.
When a Cohabitation Agreement May Be Helpful
You may want to consider a cohabitation agreement if you are:
- Buying a home together
- Moving into a property owned by one partner
- Sharing significant expenses or debts
- Blending finances while keeping certain assets separate
- Planning long-term living arrangements without marriage
Addressing these topics early can prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress later.
Experience You Can Trust at Goodblatt · Leo
At Goodblatt · Leo, our attorneys work with couples to create cohabitation agreements that reflect real life situations, not just legal language. We take the time to understand how you live, how finances are shared, and what matters most to both partners.
Our approach is thoughtful and practical. We explain options clearly, prepare agreements with care, and focus on solutions that support stability and fairness. With extensive experience handling family law matters, including agreements that shape long term planning, Goodblatt · Leo helps clients put clear expectations in place while respecting the personal nature of their relationships.
