In the last decade, cohabitation has expanded and is now generally accepted to mean two partners who live together and share their property.

Many times it is a starting-point of sorts for a couple planning to get married. But it can also be an alternative for couples that don't want the commitment that marriage brings.

However, when couples choose cohabitation, they give up certain rights and protections that married couples enjoy. Even though you may feel that your partner is part of the family, the law does not.

In Massachusetts, unmarried couples can obtain some of the same rights that married couples have by having a cohabitation agreement prepared.

A cohabitation agreement is very much like an unmarried version of a prenuptial agreement because it outlines the relationship and each person’s responsibilities.

And Massachusetts Courts look on these agreements the same way they look at a business contract - if it's in writing, it is enforceable.

Although cohabitation agreements are predominantly used by gay couples in Massachusetts, heterosexual couples are increasingly taking advantage of these agreements - particularly those that have been living together for some time.

If you have questions about cohabitation agreements and would like to learn more about them, contact me by clicking here or call me at (617) 273-5110.