Written agreements
If you and your partner want to share your property differently if your relationship ends, you can make a cohabitation agreement. This is also called a domestic contract.
In the agreement, you can say how you want to arrange your finances during your relationship and how you want to deal with your property and debts if you separate.
You do not need a lawyer to make an agreement. But it is a good idea to get legal advice before signing one. You and your partner cannot get advice from the same lawyer.
If you cannot agree on how to divide property, you can get help from a family law professional. These are neutral people who are trained to work with both of you to help you reach an agreement or decide for you. Or, one of you must start a family law court case and ask a judge to decide.
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