What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between unmarried partners who live together or plan to live together. It outlines each person’s rights and responsibilities, including property ownership, financial contributions, and support obligations if the relationship ends.

This agreement can prevent future disputes and ensure that both parties have a mutual understanding of their legal and financial arrangements from the outset.

Why You Need a Cohabitation Agreement in BC

Under BC’s Family Law Act, common-law partners may have similar rights and responsibilities as married couples after living together for two years or more. This can impact property division and spousal support if the relationship ends. A well-drafted cohabitation agreement can:
  • Clarify how assets and debts will be handled
  • Set expectations around financial support
  • Protect pre-owned property and inheritances
  • Reduce the risk of future legal disputes

How We Help

At Deborah Todd Law, we provide guidance and support through every step of the agreement process:
  • We listen to your goals and concerns
  • We explain your legal rights clearly
  • We draft a tailored agreement that reflects your unique circumstances
  • We ensure your agreement complies with BC family law requirements

With over 40 years of experience in family law, Deborah Todd brings compassionate, results-focused legal advice to help you move forward with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cohabitation Agreement in Victoria, BC

What is a cohabitation agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between unmarried partners who live together. It outlines how assets, debts, property, and support will be handled during the relationship or in the event of a separation.
In BC, common-law couples may still have legal obligations similar to married spouses. A cohabitation agreement helps protect your assets and clarify expectations, reducing conflict and uncertainty if the relationship ends.
Ideally, a cohabitation agreement should be signed before or shortly after moving in together. However, it can be created at any time in the relationship with both partners’ consent.
Yes. A cohabitation agreement can detail how you will handle jointly or separately owned property, shared expenses, debt responsibilities, and other financial matters.
Yes. For the agreement to be legally enforceable and fair, both parties should receive independent legal advice. This ensures that both sides understand their rights and obligations before signing.

Client Success Stories

  • Strength, Knowledge, Perseverance and Personal Commitment! It is my pleasure to recommend this outstanding professional. I have known Deborah Todd for over 10 years and I find her to be of the most dedicated, compassionate Lawyer I have ever met. Deborah is a warm and considerate individual, she is down to Earth and has a calm demeanor that makes people feel that not only are they heard but also have the right Anchor on their side. Deborah is an extremely talented Attorney who cares a great deal about her clients, Deborah is the kind of Lawyer who never gives up, she will spend hours working including weekends to ensure the best results for her clients. Her strong sense of organization helps her remain calm in and out of the Courtroom which is appreciated by clients. She has won a large majority of her cases, mainly because she is extremely thorough in her due diligence. I would recommend her to my friends and family.

    Maria M.
    June 12, 2017

    Deborah Todd and team are highly skilled in family law. They take a practical, no-nonsense approach that is in the best interest of their clients. We highly recommend Deborah Todd.

    Philippe Hahn
    April 10, 2018

    Deborah Todd has been my lawyer for many years and has always dealt with me in a professional, courteous manner. Initially Deborah set up wills for my husband and me, and now our children have gone to Deborah to have their wills done as well. Recently Deborah helped me through the process of being an Executrix for two estates. Both of these estates were handled with understanding, timeliness, and professionalism. I am a very satisfied client.

    Shirley Curtis
    June 7, 2017

  • Deborah has provided me with professional, knowledgeable and friendly service for my legal needs. She and her staff are very helpful and prompt with their replies to phone calls & emails. I highly recommend Deborah Todd Law.

    Amanda Carl
    August 24, 2017

    My experience with Deborah Todd has been incredibly positive. Deborah knows her stuff and is easy to work with. She is sensitive to my needs and keeps things going smoothly and is completely professional at all times. I have no reservations about recommending her to friends and colleagues.

    Jean Bigelow
    June 2, 2017

    Deborah Todd has been my lawyer since at least 2001 she was recommended to me by an acquaintance whom also is a lawyer and the fact that she was recommended by one of her peers meant a lot to me. Going through a divorce for the most part can be a very emotional traumatic experience and in my case I not only needed an excellent lawyer I needed one whom understands business corporations, trusts and financial accounting. Deborah not only understands but is up to date on the case law related to divorce where business and children are involved. I have felt fully supported by Deborah and her team with her ability to mediate and assist in sorting out complicated situations she is exemplary.

    Judith St. denis
    June 5, 2017

  • Deborah Todd and her excellent staff got me through my divorce from an extremely uncooperative and difficult partner with my best interest in mind, first and foremost! Emails were answered quickly, and I was never left hanging. She is very easy to talk to; I felt she was actually listening and understanding what I was saying. She provided the calm during the hurricane in my life. Thanks again for your help.

    Brad Yarmie
    June 5, 2017

    Debbie has been my family lawyer for over 25 years. She is amazing. Her compassionate no-nonsense style and knowledge gives you the confidence to take charge of your situation. This is beneficial at the mediation table. She is simply the best family law lawyer in Victoria. Highly recommend.

    Cynthia Reid
    July 18, 2017

    Deborah is the best on the Island, she has a very kind heart and very knowledgeable, she will help you to her best. She goes out of her way to be kind and helpful. Her assist is very accommodating as well.

    S Habib
    January 9, 2019

Start Protecting Your Future Today

Whether you’re just moving in together or have been cohabiting for years, it’s never too early—or too late—to put a cohabitation agreement in place. Let’s help you protect what matters most.
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