Living Together Contracts

For people whose situation does not make marriage an appropriate option, a Living Together Contract is an important part in creating important legal protections. Although most people don't realize it, marriage is a legal contract between two people. It defines the rights and obligations that each party owes each other as well as defining the extent of their joint property. It shouldn't be surprising then, to learn that unmarried couples can create contracts between themselves that also define the rights and obligations that each partner owes the other. These contracts go by different names in different states but, in Tennessee are referred to as living together contracts.

Memphis/Shelby Co, Tipton Co and Fayette Co living together contracts function similarly to prenuptial agreements, and set forth how money, property and debt among other things will be handled during and even after the relationship. It may seem extremely unromantic to ask your partner to make a contract with you, but in the process you will learn a lot about yourself, your partner and the maturity of your relationship. Having a living together contract is just a smart thing to do.

Deciding Whether You Need a Living Together Contract

It doesn't make sense to enter into an agreement in every relationship that you may have. You would make quite the impression showing up to a first date with a pen and paper in hand. Rather, living together contracts are more appropriate for long-term relationships where money, property and debt are expected to accumulate.

These agreements may also be a good idea for older couples, to ensure that property is distributed upon their death as they wish. Finally, couples who just don't believe in the institution of marriage, for whatever reason, should strongly consider such an agreement. Even if you're morally or philosophically opposed to marriage, it's still smart to define the relationship's rights, obligations and how property is to be distributed.

What Goes In a Living Together Contract

Living together contracts don't need to be overly complex or contain legal-sounding language. To the contrary, it's a better idea to make the agreement in plain language, and include as much or as little detail as the couple feels is necessary. Here are some items to consider:

Property accumulated during the relationship: it's important to define how property acquired during the relationship should be treated. For example, if one person buys something during the relationship, do both parties own 50% of it? Does whoever bought it own it? What if the item is purchased using personal savings?
Property acquired by gift or inheritance: generally, people like to keep items received as gifts or by inheritance as separate property. If you and your partner want to do this, you need to write it down so there is no confusion.
Property from before the relationship: many people like to keep items received before the relationship began as separate property. If you and your partner want to do this, you need to write it down so there is no confusion.
Expenses: make sure you cover how expenses will be paid. This can be a huge area of disagreement, so it's important to write down the expectations. For example, you might split them 50/50, make it proportional to income, or just pool your resources into one account and pay jointly.
Separation or death: although you may not want to consider it, it's important to define what happens if the relationship ends. It's important not to leave the status of property and money in limbo if a couple splits up. It is always better to make these decisions before experiencing the pain of a break-up.
Dispute resolution: in the case that a dispute arises, couples may want to define how it should be resolved. A typical example would include using mediation or arbitration before taking the matter to court.

For help developing one of these important documents, contact Memphis living together contract lawyer Susan Mackenzie.