You’re about to move in with your partner–exciting! Whether it’s your first shared home or you’ve both done this before, it’s a big step. Maybe one of you owns property, or you’re bringing significant assets into the relationship. Or maybe you just want clarity about how things would work if life throws a curveball down the road.
You’re not planning for a breakup. You’re planning to protect what matters: each other.
That’s where a cohabitation agreement comes in.
So… What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?
Think of it as a roadmap. A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that outlines how you and your partner will handle things like property, debt, and support if your relationship ever ends. In BC, if you live together for two years (or have a child together), you’re considered common-law spouses… which means your assets could be divided just like a married couple’s.
A cohabitation agreement helps you both stay on the same page from the beginning. It’s not about being pessimistic. It’s about being proactive.
Why More Couples in BC Are Getting a Cohabitation Agreement
The truth is, most people in BC don’t realize how much legal weight common-law relationships carry until it’s too late. Under BC’s Family Law Act, if you split up, you might be required to split property and debt 50/50, even if the home is only in one person’s name.
With a cohabitation agreement, you can:
✔️ Protect assets you had before the relationship
✔️ Clarify how you’ll handle new assets or debts
✔️ Set expectations around spousal support
✔️ Avoid legal uncertainty down the line
It’s a simple way to get ahead of the “what-ifs” and focus on building your life together… confidently.
You Don’t Need to Go to Court (Or Even a Law Office)
The idea of getting a legal agreement might sound complicated. Lawyers. Offices. Paperwork. Appointments.
But here’s the thing: you can do all of it from home.
At Freedom Family Law, we work with clients across BC, completely remotely. That means you can meet with a lawyer over the phone or video, review your documents online, and sign everything digitally. No traffic, no time off work, no sitting awkwardly in a waiting room.
How the Remote Process Works
1. Start with a Free 15-Minute Call
You’ll chat briefly with our legal team to see if a cohabitation agreement makes sense for your situation.
2. Meet with a Lawyer Remotely
If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll schedule a phone or video call with a family lawyer. You’ll get all your questions answered and we’ll walk you through what’s next.
3. Review and Sign From Home
We’ll send you the agreement securely online. You can sign it digitally, without ever needing to print or scan a thing.
It’s that easy!
What a Cohabitation Agreement Can Cover
Every relationship is different, but most agreements will address:
- Who owns what (including property, bank accounts, and investments)
- How to divide things if you break up
- What happens to debts
- Whether one partner would pay support
- What happens to assets one of you brings into the relationship
What it won’t cover: parenting time or child support. Those are handled differently under BC law, but if you’re planning for a blended family, we can still help you get clarity.
A Cohabitation Agreement is Not Just for the Wealthy
Sure, cohabitation agreements make sense if you own a home or have six figures in savings, but they’re also incredibly useful if:
- You’re moving in with someone and want to protect your future
- One of you has family money or expects an inheritance
- You’re starting a business
- You just want to be clear and fair with each other
At the end of the day, it’s about making things easier later by talking about them now.
Ready to Protect What You’re Building?
Moving in together is a huge milestone. A cohabitation agreement doesn’t take away from that–it supports it. It means you’ve had the important conversations, you’ve made thoughtful decisions, and you’ve got a plan that protects both of you.
And with remote legal services, it’s never been easier to get it done.
📅 Book your consultation or check out our pricing to learn more.
Disclaimer:This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Family law is complex and individual situations vary. You should consult with a qualified family lawyer in British Columbia to discuss your specific circumstances.