More couples than ever are choosing to live together without getting married. While cohabitation offers flexibility, it leaves both partners legally vulnerable when it comes to property, finances, and even child custody. This course provides a step-by-step roadmap for creating and using cohabitation agreements to protect each partner’s rights. Students will learn how to negotiate terms, draft enforceable contracts, and address issues like rent, property ownership, debts, and breakups — without relying on marriage laws. By the end, learners will be able to protect themselves legally while living together.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand what cohabitation agreements are and why they matter.
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Identify the key legal issues unmarried couples face when living together.
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Draft clear, enforceable provisions for property, finances, and debts.
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Protect themselves in case of separation, death, or disputes.
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Address child-related issues within and outside of a cohabitation agreement.
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Distinguish between state-specific rules on cohabitation contracts.
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Negotiate fairly with their partner while reducing future conflict.
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Maintain and update agreements as circumstances change.
