Cohabitation & Prenuptial Agreements
Learn more about Cohabitation & Prenuptial Agreements from our lawyers in Vaughan, ON. Contact Ciccone Law for more details.
Cohabitation Agreements
Couples in a common law relationship can sign a cohabitation agreement in order to protect their rights.
Within a cohabitation agreement, you can spell out what you both want your financial and family arrangements to be while you are living together. For example, you can specify who owns the things you buy.
You can also specify how your property will be divided, and which person must move out of the home in the event that your relationship ends.
It cannot be used to specify who will have custody of, or access to, your children in the event that your relationship ends. This cannot not be decided before your relationship is over.
Marriage Contracts
Couples who feel that the law does not suit the kind of relationship they have can make other arrangements in a marriage contract.
Marriage contracts are very important legal documents. You should think carefully about your decision, speak to a lawyer, and exchange financial information before signing a marriage contract.
Within a marriage contract, you can specify what you expect from each other during your marriage. You can list property that you are bringing into the marriage, note its value, and specify who owns it.
You can also specify how you will divide your property in the event that your marriage ends. You do not have to divide your property equally. In addition, you can make plans for the education and religious upbringing of your children, even if they are not yet born.
There are some things you cannot put in your marriage contract. You cannot make promises about custody and access arrangements for your children in the event that your marriage breaks down. You also cannot override the law that says each spouse has an equal right to live in their home.
This is not legal advice. For legal advice, please contact Ciccone Law.