Are You Considering Cohabitation? Talk to Me First.
It all seems so simple. Your relationship is strong and it just makes sense to move it to the next level. However, if you have significant financial assets, you may be getting involved in a relationship that puts your financial well-being at risk.
I have been a Los Angeles palimony and domestic partnership attorney for more than 30 years. I have been involved in some of the nation’s highly publicized cases involving property rights in nonmarital cohabitation arrangements. Even when the facts seem clear, palimony cases are always difficult to resolve, either in a negotiated settlement, or in court. If you are a person of high net worth, there are key issues to consider.
Contact me to schedule a consultation to discuss these important things to consider:
Your house or rental lease: Who does the lease or title belong to? Will it remain that way during the duration of the agreement, or will one party expect it to become joint property over the arrangement in writing, agreed to by both of you.
Your debts: Will each of you remain responsible for your individual debts? Does either party expect the debts to merge over time? Make sure your cohabitation agreement explicitly states who will be responsible for paying the bills.
Utility bills and maintenance: Will you share responsibility for paying the utility bills and the usual upkeep of the house and property, or will the titleholder retain all responsibility?
Contracts: If one of you has signed a contract prior to cohabitation, or both agree to sign a contract together, who will ultimately assume legal responsibility if you dissolve your relationship?
Custody and visitation: If one of you has children, will the other party assume some responsibility for day care expenses and child support? Will visitation rights be an issue?
In divorce cases, California family law governs many of these decisions. However, cohabitation isn’t divorce. Make sure you understand all the issues and protect your financial interests.
If you are moving into a domestic living arrangement with a partner, one of the most important ways to protect yourself is to keep accurate records of accounts and personal correspondence in the event your partner tries to say that romantic relationship never existed, items such as birthday cards or anniversary cards, as well as wills and trusts in which you are named, can be critical evidence in litigation.
Hire a lawyer who can represent you effectively. Call me at 310-273-7777 or contact my office in Beverly Hills or by e-mail to schedule a no cost consultation.