Domestic Contracts
Always, always put your agreements in writing. However, it is not just good enough to put it in writing - Get legal advice and ensure your spouse gets independent legal advice. We recommend that you retain not just any lawyer. A Family Law Lawyer is best able to ensure that the domestic contract will be able to stand up to scrutiny.
Cohabitation Agreements
This is similar to a marriage contract, but applies to couples who are not marrying. This agreement can be drafted so that the terms will continue (as a marriage contract) in the event you later marry each other.
You can include certain provisions in the agreement to protect you, such as:
- Ensuring that you are not considered to be standing "in loco parentis" (in place of a parent) of your spouse's child from a previous relationship and therefore not liable to pay child support in the event of a separation.
- Your spouse to you waiving any right to obtain spousal support
- Stating that any labour or financial contribution made by your spouse to your property will not give your spouse any right to an interest in that property unless agreed to in writing by you.
Pellar Family Law Professional Corporation can also provide you with advice respecting how ownership should be held in property owned by you and your partner and provide a formula for division in the event of a separation.
