California Cohabitation Forms


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


California Cohabitation Form Categories

Cohabitation Forms FAQ

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.

Top Questions about California Cohabitation Forms

  • Are cohabitation agreements legal in California?

    Yes, cohabitation agreements are legal in California. These agreements help couples establish rights and responsibilities, protecting both individuals throughout their partnership. By using California Cohabitation Forms, you can create a structured document that outlines your agreements. This not only adds clarity to your living arrangement but also offers peace of mind for your future.

  • How do you write a cohabitation agreement?

    To write a cohabitation agreement, start by discussing your expectations with your partner. Clearly outline aspects such as property ownership, financial responsibilities, and how to handle potential disputes. You can find templates for California Cohabitation Forms that simplify this process and ensure you cover essential aspects. Finally, it is wise to have a legal professional review your agreement to ensure it complies with California laws.

  • Do domestic partners have to file taxes together in California?

    Domestic partners in California are not required to file taxes together, but many choose to do so for tax benefits. When you register as domestic partners, it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand your options. Filing jointly can simplify your tax situation and may qualify you for certain tax advantages. To solidify your partnership, consider completing the California Cohabitation Forms, ensuring you have the necessary legal framework for your financial matters.

  • How long do you have to live together to be domestic partners in California?

    In California, you typically need to live together for at least six months to meet the criteria for becoming domestic partners. However, it's essential to file the necessary California Cohabitation Forms to ensure your relationship is legally recognized. Living together establishes a shared life, but formal documentation provides important legal benefits and protects your rights. By utilizing these forms, you can clarify your partnership status and advance your joint interests.

  • Does my girlfriend count as a domestic partner?

    Whether your girlfriend qualifies as a domestic partner depends on your specific circumstances and California's regulations. You must meet the legal definitions and eligibility criteria set by the state, such as filing a Declaration of Domestic Partnership. Utilizing California Cohabitation Forms can clarify your relationship and support your case.

  • Can I put my girlfriend on my health insurance in California?

    Yes, you can generally put your girlfriend on your health insurance in California if you meet the relationship and documentation requirements. Most insurers require proof of cohabitation, which can be demonstrated using California Cohabitation Forms. It is best to consult with your insurer to know what specific information they need.

  • Can I add my unmarried partner to my health insurance?

    Many health insurance plans allow you to add an unmarried partner, provided you can prove your domestic relationship. Documentation such as California Cohabitation Forms may be necessary to establish your shared living situation. Always verify the specific requirements with your insurance provider before proceeding.

  • How to create a cohabitation agreement?

    To create a cohabitation agreement, start by discussing your expectations and responsibilities with your partner. Draft a written document outlining financial obligations, property rights, and other important aspects of your shared life. Using templates from resources like US Legal Forms can help ensure that your cohabitation agreement aligns with California laws.

  • Where can I get an affidavit of cohabitation?

    You can often obtain an affidavit of cohabitation from legal service providers or online platforms, such as US Legal Forms. These services simplify the process by providing customizable templates ensuring that you meet California’s legal requirements. Always ensure that the form is tailored to your specific situation.

  • How do I prove cohabitation in California?

    To prove cohabitation in California, you may need to provide evidence such as a shared lease, joint bank accounts, or utility bills in both names. Additionally, California Cohabitation Forms can serve as legal documentation to affirm your living arrangement. Gathering and presenting a combination of these documents strengthens your claim of cohabitation.

Tips for Preparing California Cohabitation Forms

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

  1. Create a list of the property and assets, and financial obligations. You have to be honest with one another and speak about what you owe and own. Include earnings and estate, and so forth. If you're thinking about buying a property or vehicle together, bring this up too.
  2. Focus on inheritance. What will happen to all the property if one of the partners dies? To save yourself and your cohabitant from court proceedings, include as much as possible in the terms of the inheritance in your contract.
  3. Think about your children. Explain who takes financial obligations for your kids. In case they have another parent who can handle them, you need to indicate it too and, additionally, describe how to use this financial help.
  4. Hire an unbiased legal expert. Preparation of a cohabitation agreement doesn't need any unique skills. But it's always much better to get a fresh pair of eyes that can examine your file for compliance with common law of marriage and so on. So for every cohabitant, going to a local attorney is highly advised.
  5. Keep California Cohabitation Forms up to date. Anything can change after a while. For that reason, it is important to check and update your cohabitation agreement with new details.