7 Deadly Sins of Cohabitation and How To Avoid Them
Couples often choose to avoid wedding one another and instead are now choosing to cohabit instead.
There are plenty of benefits of doing this, but there can be some problems and we’ve been given some tips on how to avoid the 7 deadly cohabitation skills by OnePlusOne.
Property Rights
If you are in a cohabiting relationship, i.e. you live together but are not married, you need to be especially careful when it comes to property. When you first make the decision to move in together be clear you both understand who is buying/renting and whether you are paying one or other rent or splitting equally down the middle. Joint rental and mortgage agreements are great, but you must ensure you draw up an agreement detailing what happens if you split. If you aren’t co-owners or both named occupiers on your rental agreement then you have no rights to stay in that property, or to any money from the sale if you split.
Inheritance
There are hundreds of horror stories when it comes to inheritance, you’ll find that couples who’ve been together for years but aren’t married, assume they will get a settlement if their partner passes away. In reality the money will go to blood relatives of the deceased and the partner will get nothing. It is therefore essential to draw up provisions in a will.
Banking
Money problems are the biggest cause of arguments in any relationship, but to avoid stressing and disputes make sure you are have separate accounts for personal money, and anything joint will require both parties signatures to initiate closure of the account.
Joint Assets
From household items, cars, holidays and anything in between, joint assets don’t mean much in a cohabiting relationship. It’s good to keep a record of any major joint purchases, and as always draw up an agreement for division of assets should you split.
Children
Both parents of children in any relationship, whether cohabiting or married have rights to see their children if you split. It is important to register the father on the birth certificate if you are cohabiting to avoid lengthy court proceedings though.
Wills
It really can’t be stressed enough he importance of including your cohabiting partner in your will should you wish them to inherit after you’ve gone. It may be a depressing thought, but its good sense.
Agreements
Draw up an agreement before you move in together and make sure it is witnessed by a lawyer.
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