Nolo Logo Lawyer Directory Newsletter Nolo Now: Nolo's Online Document Service Blogs Cart
Create your will online right now using Nolo Now!
LIVING TOGETHER
Save 50% on Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce. Sale ends July 13th.
Judge Joe Brown ad

Living Together Contracts

Couples who marry commit themselves to a well-established set of laws and rules -- they make a legal contract with each other. Couples who live together, on the other hand, don’t have any legal agreements unless they write their own. If you want to legally establish how you will own property during your relationship, as well as what will happen if you separate or if one of you dies, you must write out your own rules.

> more

tenancy in common

A way two or more people can own property together. Each can leave his or her interest upon death to beneficiaries of his choosing instead of to the other owners, as is required with joint tenancy. In some states, two people are presumed to own property as tenants in common unless they've agreed otherwise in writing.

More Definitions

My boyfriend owns the house -- how do I make clear that I own the furniture?

My boyfriend is buying a home in his name only. How do I protect myself when his name is the only one on the contract, but everything in the home is mine -- even though he won't sign anything saying so? I already have my driver's license number written on all my property. But I'm worried about what might happen if we separate, and I have no proof that I own the property in the home. Could he get it all?

> more
Find a Family Lawyer - Marriage, Adoption, Parenting, Elder Care, Long-Term Care, Medicare
Nolo's Online Will
Agreement for a Joint Purchase
Agreement for a Joint Purchase
eForm / $7.49
Downloadable Product
No shipping fees!

Agreement to Keep Property Separate
Agreement to Keep Property Separate
eForm / $7.49
Downloadable Product
No shipping fees!

Agreement to Share Property
Agreement to Share Property
eForm / $7.49
Downloadable Product
No shipping fees!

Nolo New Editions