Washington, DC Lawyers Draft Cohabitation Agreements

Protecting the interests of unmarried people who live together

An increasing number of couples are choosing to live together before they get married — or instead of getting married. And an increasing number of such couples are entering into cohabitation agreements to protect their rights and interests. A cohabitation agreement is simply a contract that addresses what happens to assets and debts if the couple breaks up. The lawyers at Douglas & Boykin PLLC can help create a cohabitation agreement that decreases the risk of disputes in the future. The attorneys serve clients in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

What issues can and can’t be addressed in cohabitation agreements?

A cohabitation agreement can include any terms that would be enforceable in other types of contracts, such as the division of assets and debts. A cohabitation agreement cannot establish child custody or child support obligations.

In jurisdictions such as the District of Columbia that recognize common law marriage, many couples enter into cohabitation agreements to make it clear that while they want to live together, they do not want their relationship to become a common law marriage. A common law marriage is formed under Washington, DC law when a couple lives together and manifests “an express, present intent to be married.” A cohabitation agreement can thwart this by expressly stating that the parties have no intent to marry.

Discuss the benefits of cohabitation agreements with Washington, DC lawyers

The family law attorneys at Douglas & Boykin PLLC can help you understand the benefits of a cohabitation agreement. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 202-753-0042 or online. Douglas & Boykin’s office is near Metro stops at Farragut North, Dupont Circle (Red Line), and Farragut West (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines).