You may want to work with a Seattle cohabitation agreements lawyer if you plan to move in with a partner and want a layer of legal protections for your property and assets. A cohabitation agreement functions much like a prenuptial agreement, except for couples who do not intend to marry.
Our team at Dellino Family Law can help you draft this type of agreement. You can rely on a Seattle family lawyer from our dedicated team to answer any questions you have about cohabitation agreements and to ensure any agreement fairly represents your interests before you sign it.
We have over 180 years of combined experience handling family law matters. You can learn more by reaching out to us today for a consultation about your situation.
Why Hire a Cohabitation Agreement Lawyer in Seattle?
Hiring an attorney from our law firm to assist you with setting up a cohabitation agreement means you will have someone on your side looking out for your best interests when drafting this legal document.
Our team understands what information a cohabitation agreement should contain to protect you, allowing you to proceed with your relationship with greater peace of mind and less anxiety that could otherwise result in conflicts after you move in with another person.
You can feel confident about protecting your assets and property by allowing an attorney to prepare and carefully review this document.
We Can Explain Cohabitation Agreements
Cohabitation agreements represent contracts that unmarried people can enter into before or after they move in together. These documents will define each party’s expectations and establish what will happen if the couple breaks up.
In many ways, cohabitation agreements work like prenuptial agreements, but they provide a sense of protection to couples who do not plan to marry one another, setting them apart from other legal documents.
Do You Need a Cohabitation Agreement?
A cohabitation agreement can benefit many individuals who are considering moving in with a romantic partner. Our law firm often recommends these agreements to any client who has:
- Cash or inheritance
- Investment accounts
- Real property
- Income from employment
Keep in mind that, in Washington State, you will face responsibilities once you start living with another person, even if you do not marry the other party.
Setting up a cohabitation agreement allows you to mutually decide on these responsibilities, instead of relying on the court to make a decision if the relationship runs its course.
Many couples discover that taking the time to set up this type of agreement can strengthen their relationship by removing stress, uncertainty, and worry.
Who Can Set Up a Cohabitation Agreement?
Any couple that wants to live together without marrying can set up a cohabitation agreement, including same-sex couples.
What Information Does a Cohabitation Agreement Cover?
The specific information contained in a cohabitation agreement will depend on the needs of the couple that sets up the document. Generally, these agreements will provide information about each individual’s assets, including assets like inheritances, properties, and businesses.
Depending on the needs of the couple, these agreements can also provide information about how a couple will handle a breakup. For example, the agreement may include decisions about:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Alimoney
An attorney can provide more information about what you should include in your cohabitation agreement.
Will the Court Enforce a Cohabitation Agreement?
The legal system in Washington State does not always enforce cohabitation agreements. However, the court may uphold this type of agreement if it adheres to certain legal standards. Therefore, you must have a cohabitation agreement attorney in Seattle set up this document on your behalf.
If you attempt to set up an agreement on your own, the court may disregard it after the dissolution of a relationship, especially if the agreement deals with substantial assets or complex legal issues.
The court is more likely to uphold an agreement that is both substantively and procedurally fair to all involved parties. Our team can review any agreement before you sign the paperwork to ensure that it aligns with the standards of fairness in the legal system.
Why Choose Us to Design Your Cohabitation Agreement?
Our team at Dellino Family Law knows what it takes to successfully design a cohabitation agreement. We take the needs of our clients seriously and can adapt our services to best fit your needs when you feel ready to take the next step in your relationship.
We will keep the lines of communication open as we handle the agreement, frequently checking in with you to ensure that it contains everything you need it to cover.
You can rely on us to provide personalized assistance for other family law matters, as well. We understand your situation and want to provide the support that you deserve.
Talk to Us About a Cohabitation Agreement in Seattle
You can work with a Seattle cohabitation agreements attorney from our team at Dellino Family Law when you want to fully prepare to share your life with another person. We can explain exactly what these agreements should cover and design one to meet your needs.
You can reach out to us now to learn more about the services we provide when handling family law matters.
