Are You Considering Cohabitation? Talk to Me First.

It all seems so simple. Your relationship is strong and it just makes sense to move it to the next level. However, if you have significant financial assets, you may be getting involved in a situation that puts your financial well-being at risk.

I have been a Los Angeles palimony and domestic partnership attorney for more than thirty years. I have been involved in some of the nation's landmark cases involving property rights in a cohabitation arrangement. Even when the facts seem clear, palimony cases are always expensive to resolve, either in a negotiated settlement, or in court. If you are a person of high net worth, there are some key issues to consider.

Contact me to schedule a consultation to discuss these important things to think about:

Your house or rental lease: Who does the lease or title belong to? Will it remain that way for the duration of the agreement, or will one party expect it to become joint property over time. Get the arrangement in writing, agreed to by both of you.

Your debts: Will each of you remain responsible for your individual debts? Does either party expect the debts to merge over time? Make sure your cohabitation agreement makes things clear about who will be responsible for paying the bills.

Utility bills and maintenance: Will you share responsibility for paying the utility bills and the mundane upkeep of the house and property, or will the titleholder retain all responsibility?

Contracts: If one of you has signed a contract prior to cohabitation, or both agree to sign a contract together, who will ultimately assume legal responsibility if you dissolve your relationship?

Custody and visitation: If one of you has children, will the other party assume some responsibility for day care expenses and child support? Will visitation rights be an issue?

In divorce cases, California family law governs many of these decisions. However, cohabitation isn't divorce. Make sure you understand all the issues and protect your financial interests.

If you are moving into a domestic living arrangement with a partner, one of the most important ways to protect yourself is to keep accurate records of accounts and personal correspondence. In the event your partner tries to say that romantic relationship never existed, items such as old birthday or anniversary cards, as well as wills and trusts in which you are named, can be used as evidence in litigation.

Hire a lawyer who can get things done. Call me at 310-273-7777 or contact my office in Beverly Hills by e-mail to schedule a no cost consultation.