New York 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.


New York 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 New York Cohabitation Forms

  • Does New York State recognize a common law wife?

    New York State does not recognize common law marriages established after 1933, which means you cannot have a common law wife under current law. However, if you were in a common law marriage before that year, New York will recognize it. It's important to understand this distinction when considering your rights and benefits. New York Cohabitation Forms can serve as an alternative to express your partnership rights.

  • What is the affidavit of cohabitant in NY?

    The affidavit of cohabitant is a legal document that two individuals living together can use to declare their cohabitation status. This affidavit can be valuable for establishing rights, responsibilities, and potential financial matters. Utilizing New York Cohabitation Forms can help you prepare this document correctly and efficiently.

  • What does Affidavit of residence mean?

    The Affidavit of residence is a legal document that verifies a person's home address. This affidavit can serve multiple purposes, such as proving residency for legal or financial obligations. When using New York Cohabitation Forms, this affidavit plays a critical role in affirming your living situation and ensuring both parties’ interests are protected.

  • How to write a cohabitation agreement?

    To write a cohabitation agreement, start by outlining the terms you and your partner wish to agree upon, such as financial responsibilities and property division. Clearly state each party's rights and obligations to avoid misunderstandings. Using New York Cohabitation Forms can provide you with templates to facilitate this process, ensuring you include necessary legal elements.

  • What is the Affidavit of Cohabitation for?

    The Affidavit of Cohabitation serves to legally document that two individuals live together as a couple. This affidavit is especially useful for benefits eligibility, legal claims, and other formal matters where proof of cohabitation is required. By leveraging New York Cohabitation Forms, you can ensure that your cohabitation is recognized by relevant authorities.

  • What is the Affidavit of Cohabitant NYC?

    The Affidavit of Cohabitant NYC is a declaration made by individuals living together in a domestic partnership. This document is essential for various legal contexts and can affirm the mutual recognition of the shared living situation. Utilizing New York Cohabitation Forms can simplify this process and help you navigate local laws.

  • What is the Affidavit of Occupancy?

    The Affidavit of Occupancy serves as a legal statement confirming that an individual resides at a specific address. This document can be vital for establishing residency for various legal purposes, including lease agreements and utility setups. When dealing with New York Cohabitation Forms, this affidavit can help partners formally establish their shared living arrangement.

  • What rights does a domestic partner have in New York?

    In New York, domestic partners enjoy several legal rights similar to those of married couples, including inheritance, health care decision-making, and access to certain benefits. However, these rights are often contingent on local laws and registrations. Therefore, it’s advisable to use New York Cohabitation Forms to ensure all legal bases are covered for your partnership.

  • What is the cohabitation law in NY?

    New York law acknowledges cohabitation but does not equate it with marriage. Couples living together can create cohabitation agreements to address property rights, responsibilities, and financial matters. Utilizing New York Cohabitation Forms can help establish clear terms, safeguarding both partners' interests.

  • How long do you have to live together to be common law marriage in NY?

    New York does not recognize common law marriage, which means living together for a certain period does not automatically grant marital rights. However, couples can benefit from cohabitation agreements. It's essential to formalize your relationship through New York Cohabitation Forms if you desire legal protections similar to marriage.

Tips for Preparing New York Cohabitation Forms

Speaking about finance and bureaucracy when you're in a romantic relationship is difficult. But the New York Cohabitation Forms is a vital step that both you and your partner should take in order to live together without worries about what may happen if you two broke up.

  1. Make a list of your property and belongings, and debts. You should be honest with one another and focus on the things you owe and own. Add earnings and estate, and so on. If you're thinking about buying a property or vehicle together, bring this up too.
  2. Speak about inheritance. What will happen to all the property if one of the partners dies? To save yourself as well as your cohabitant from court procedures, include as much as possible in the terms of the inheritance in your contract.
  3. Think about your children. Mention who takes financial obligations for your kids. If they have another mother or father who can handle them, you should point out it too and also describe how to use this financial help.
  4. Find an independent legal consultant. Plan of a cohabitation arrangement doesn't require any particular skills. But it's always better to have a fresh pair of eyes that can examine your document for compliance with common law of marriage and so on. So for every cohabitant, going to a local attorney is highly recommended.
  5. Keep New York Cohabitation Forms up to date. Everything can change after a while. For that reason, it is vital to check and expand your cohabitation agreement with new specifics.