Cohabitation agreements have become increasingly popular in recent years as more couples choose to live together without getting married. These agreements outline the rights and responsibilities of each partner and can be especially important when it comes to property division and financial matters. If you`re living with your partner in Louisiana, it`s important to understand the laws surrounding cohabitation and the benefits of having a legal agreement in place.
Under Louisiana law, there is no legal recognition of common-law marriages. This means that even if you live with your partner for many years and consider yourselves to be married, you will not have the same legal protections and benefits as a legally married couple. In fact, Louisiana does not recognize domestic partnerships or civil unions either.
However, that doesn`t mean you`re out of options. You can still protect yourself and your partner by creating a cohabitation agreement. This legal document can cover a wide range of topics, including:
– How property will be divided if you break up
– How debts will be handled
– How expenses will be shared
– How you will handle joint bank accounts
– How you will handle taxes
– How you will handle healthcare decisions
– How you will handle child custody and support
By creating a cohabitation agreement, you can avoid future disputes and ensure that both partners are on the same page when it comes to important financial and legal decisions. It`s important to note that these agreements are not the same as prenuptial agreements, which are created before a legal marriage. Cohabitation agreements are only valid if both partners sign and are entered into voluntarily.
When creating a cohabitation agreement in Louisiana, it`s a good idea to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the legal nuances and ensure that the agreement is enforceable. You may also want to consider working with a mediator who can help you and your partner negotiate the terms of the agreement.
In summary, while Louisiana does not recognize common-law marriages, domestic partnerships, or civil unions, you can still protect yourself and your partner by creating a cohabitation agreement. This legal document can outline important financial and legal decisions and can help avoid future disputes. If you`re considering creating a cohabitation agreement, be sure to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your agreement is legally valid.