Representation for Unmarried Couples in Massachusetts
Many people in Massachusetts choose to live together in a committed relationship but do not want to get married. These couples may buy and sell property together, have children and take care of each other as a married couple would. However, unmarried couples do not have the automatic legal protections of Massachusetts law if their relationship breaks down.
If you are in a committed relationship but do not plan to get married, a cohabitation agreement is highly recommended. At The Law Offices of Judith A. Wayne & Associates, we draft and review cohabitation agreements for couples in the Boston area and throughout northeastern Massachusetts. These agreements allow a couple to give their relationship some of the protections that the law would give to them if they were married.
Why Are Cohabitation Agreements Important?
If you are married, you have the protection of the probate court in the event of a divorce. However, if you are unmarried, unless you have a contract which defines how you want your assets divided in the event your relationship terminates, you will have a difficult time receiving what is rightfully yours. Without a cohabitation agreement, one person could end up with a disproportionate amount of property and the other could end up with virtually nothing, especially if both of you are making mortgage payments on a property which is only in one party's name. Much like a prenuptial agreement, a cohabitation agreement allows you to outline your rights in the event your relationship ends.
Our firm can help you define the nature of your contractual relationship and create an agreement that is clear and unambiguous so that the court has grounds to enforce the agreement. During our 35 years of practice, we have drafted these documents for many clients, and we can do the same for you.
Examples of Situations Where Cohabitation Agreements Are Especially Useful
If you and your partner find yourself in any of these situations, we would strongly advise you to speak with us about creating a cohabitation agreement:
- If you have real estate held in only one person's name
- If you operate a business together
- If one of you pays most of the household expenses
- If one of you has supported the other during graduate school
Contact a Salem Cohabitation Lawyer
By establishing your property and individual rights ahead of time, you can prevent complications later. To schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney, call 781-599-1144 or toll free 800-879-5503. You can also contact our law firm online. We have offices in Lynn, Salem, Malden and Newburyport. Nous parlons Francais.
