Indiana Cohabitation Forms - Common Law Marriage Indiana


Use this page to locate and download Cohabitation Agreement Forms or Wills for persons living together but not married. All forms are State Specific.


Indiana Cohabitation Form Categories Domestic Partnership Indiana 2023

Cohabitation Forms FAQ Domestic Partnership Indiana

What rights do unmarried couples have?

Generally, unmarried cohabitants do not enjoy the same rights as married individuals, particularly with respect to property acquired during a relationship. Marital property laws and other family laws related to marriage do not apply to unmarried couples, even in long-term relationships. The characterization of property acquired by unmarried cohabitants is less clear than that of married couples whose ownership of property is governed by marital and community property laws. Some property acquired by unmarried couples may be owned jointly, but it may be difficult to divide such property when the relationship ends. There is no obligation of financial support attached to a couple who cohabits, absent an agreement to the contrary. If you are financially dependent on a romantic partner and the relationship ends, the effects of the breakup can be much harsher.

How is cohabitation defined?

Cohabitation is generally defined as two people living together as if a married couple. State laws vary in defining cohabitation. Some states have statutes which make cohabitation a criminal offense under adultery laws. Under one state's law, cohabitation means "regularly residing with an adult of the same or opposite sex, if the parties hold themselves out as a couple, and regardless of whether the relationship confers a financial benefit on the party receiving alimony. Proof of sexual relations is admissible but not required to prove cohabitation." Another state statute defines cohabitation as "the dwelling together continuously and habitually of a man and a woman who are in a private conjugal relationship not solemnized as a marriage according to law, or not necessarily meeting all the standards of a common-law marriage." Yet another state, Georgia, defines cohabitation as "dwelling together continuously and openly in a meretricious relationship with another person, regardless of the sex of the other person.

Is it possible for unmarried couple to establish rights as a couple?

Living together, or cohabitation, in a non-marital relationship does not automatically entitle either party to acquire any rights in the property of the other party acquired during the period of cohabitation. However, adults who voluntarily live together and engage in sexual relations may enter into a contract to establish the respective rights and duties of the parties with respect to their earnings and the property acquired from their earnings during the nonmarital relationship. While parties to a nonmarital cohabitation agreement cannot lawfully contract to pay for the performance of sexual services, they may agree to pool their earnings and hold all property acquired during the relationship separately, jointly or to be governed by community property laws. They may also agree to pool only part of their earnings and property, form a partnership or joint venture or joint enterprise, or hold property as joint tenants or tenants in common, or agree to any other arrangement.

Other legal issues that may be affect cohabiting couples include estate planning and medical care. Generally, someone who cohabits with another is not considered an heir under the law or have the same rights to make medical care decisions in the same manner as a spouse. Therefore, unmarried cohabitants may consider estate planning and power of attorneys in addition to having a nonmarital agreement.

In some cases of people who formerly cohabited, courts have found a trust created in property of one person who cohabits with another, whereby the property is deemed held for the benefit of their domestic partner. When there is no formal trust agreement, a resulting trust may still be found under certain circumstances in order to enforce agreements regarding the property and income of domestic partners. If there is evidence that the parties intended to create a trust, but the formalities of a trust are lacking, the court may declare a resulting trust exists. The court may also declare that a constructive trust exists, which is essentially a legal fiction designed to avoid injustice and prevent giving an unfair advantage to one of the parties. This may be based on the contributions made by one partner to the property of the other. Each case is decided on its own facts, taking all circumstances into consideration.

Tips for Preparing Indiana Cohabitation Forms

Talking about finance and bureaucracy when you're in a relationship is complicated. But the Indiana Cohabitation Forms is a vital phase that you and your partner need to take in order to stay together without having concerns about what might occur in the event you two broke up.

  1. Compose a list of the property and belongings, and financial obligations. You have to be honest with one another and discuss the things you need to pay and own. Include earnings and property, and so on. If you're going to buy a property or vehicle jointly, bring this up as well.
  2. Discuss inheritance. What happens to all the property if one of the partners passes away? To save yourself and your cohabitant from court procedures, add as much as possible in the terms of the inheritance in your agreement.
  3. Think about your kids. Mention who takes financial responsibility for your kids. If they have another parent who supports them, you should indicate it too and, in addition, outline how to use this financial help.
  4. Find an unbiased legal consultant. Plan of a cohabitation arrangement doesn't require any specific knowledge. But it's always better to get a fresh pair of eyes that can check your record for compliance with common law of marriage and so on. So for each cohabitant, visiting a local attorney is highly recommended.
  5. Always keep Indiana Cohabitation Forms up to date. Everything can change as time passes. Therefore, it is vital to check and update your cohabitation agreement with new specifics.

What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that a couple, who chooses to live together without being married, can use to define their rights and responsibilities. It helps establish clear expectations regarding finances, property, and other important matters. In the state of Indiana, a cohabitation agreement can be especially useful since Indiana does not recognize common law marriages. Therefore, having a written agreement can protect both partners and provide a sense of security. The agreement can outline how expenses will be shared, who owns what property, and what happens if the relationship ends. It is essential to consult an attorney to ensure the agreement is legally binding and protects both parties' interests.


What’s the Difference Between Cohabitation and Marriage?

Cohabitation is when two people live together and share a household without being legally married. They may or may not be in a romantic relationship. On the other hand, marriage is a legally recognized union between two individuals, usually based on love and commitment. In Indiana, the main difference between cohabitation and marriage is the legal status and protection it offers. When a couple is married, they gain certain rights and responsibilities, such as the ability to make medical decisions for each other and to file joint tax returns. Cohabiting couples do not have these legal protections, and their rights may vary depending on their specific circumstances.


When To Get a Cohabitation Agreement

A cohabitation agreement can be beneficial for couples in Indiana who choose to live together but are not married. It is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both partners in case of a separation or any unforeseen circumstances. It is advisable to get a cohabitation agreement when you and your partner want to protect your individual assets and clarify financial responsibilities. This agreement can also define how you will divide property, debts, and assets in case of a breakup or death. By having a cohabitation agreement, you can avoid potential misunderstandings and legal battles in the future, providing both partners with peace of mind.


What Are the Legal Rights for Couples Living Together?

When couples decide to live together without getting married, they do not have the same legal rights as married couples. In Indiana, the state does not recognize common law marriage, which means that simply living together for a certain amount of time does not grant any legal rights. Therefore, couples living together in Indiana should be aware that they do not have rights regarding property division, spousal support, or inheritance like married couples do. It is important for couples in these situations to have written agreements or contracts to outline how they will divide assets, expenses, and responsibilities to protect their interests.


Consequences of Not Using a Cohabitation Agreement

Not using a cohabitation agreement in Indiana can have serious consequences, especially when a couple decides to live together without getting married. Without a cohabitation agreement, there is no legal framework to protect each individual's rights and interests. This means that if the relationship ends, there may be difficulties in distributing property, determining financial responsibilities, and establishing custody or visitation rights if there are children involved. Additionally, without a cohabitation agreement, one party may face challenges in proving their contributions to the relationship or claiming their share of shared assets. Overall, having a cohabitation agreement in place in Indiana is crucial for safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of both partners in case the relationship comes to an end.