Agreements and Contracts for Cohabitation

Cohabitation Agreements
Illinois family law is broad in scope; however it does not generally define two unmarried people living together as a family. In order to create a sound legal basis for cohabitation (sometimes referred to as domestic partnership), one must often turn to contract law.

The Edwardsville law firm of Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C. has substantial experience in assisting unmarried couples establish a firm legal foundation for their relationship and to resolve any disputes over finances, property or children should the relationship end. Please contact us today to discuss your immediate legal needs and long-term goals.

Cohabitation Contracts
A cohabitation agreement (a legal contract) can firmly establish the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of each party with regards to any jointly-owned property. Having a cohabitation agreement in place can protect both parties and help provide a basis for resolving any legal disputes should the couple break up, because it could possibly protect or assert a claim for informal or common law marriage.

Legal disputes over assets, personal property and real estate in the dissolution of a domestic partnership (for either a heterosexual or same-sex couple) may be heard in civil court, often as a breach of contract action or joint business venture. All issues affecting children (paternity, custody and support) are appropriately referred to the family courts.