It doesn’t make sense to enter into an agreement in every relationship that you may have. You would make quite the impression showing up to a first date with a pen and paper in hand. Rather, living together contracts are more appropriate for long-term relationships where a significant amount of money, property and debt are expected to accumulate. These agreements may also be a good idea for older couples, to ensure that property is distributed upon their death as they wish. Finally, couples who just don’t believe in the institution of marriage, for whatever reason, should strongly consider such an agreement. Even if you’re morally or philosophically opposed to marriage, it’s still smart to define the relationship’s rights, obligations and how property is to be distributed. Legality of Living Together Contracts Contracts that function similar to marriage between unmarried couples have not always been on sound legal ground. The uncertainty behind nonmarital agreements came to an end in 1976, however, when the California State Supreme Court established the now widely held justification behind allowing nonmarital agreements. In the case, Marvin v. Marvin, the California Supreme Court held that:
Although most people don’t realize it, marriage is a legal contract between two people. It defines the rights and obligations that each party owes each other. It shouldn’t be surprising then, to learn that unmarried couples can create contracts between themselves that also define the rights and obligations that each partner owes the other. These contracts go by different names in different states but are often referred to as nonmarital agreements or living together contracts. These contracts function similarly to prenuptial agreements, and set forth how money, property and debt among other things will be handled during and even after the relationship. It may seem extremely unromantic to ask your partner to make a contract with you, but in the process it will tell you a lot about yourself, your partner and the maturity of your relationship. What Goes In a Living Together Contract Living together contracts don’t need to be overly complex or contain legal-sounding language. To the contrary, it’s a better idea to make the agreement in plain language, and include as much or as little detail as the couple feels is necessary. Here are some items to consider:
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