Indiana Cohabitation Forms


Use this page to locate and download Cohabitation Agreement Forms or Wills for persons living together but not married. All forms are State Specific.


Indiana Cohabitation Form Categories

Cohabitation Forms FAQ

What rights do unmarried couples have?

Generally, unmarried cohabitants do not enjoy the same rights as married individuals, particularly with respect to property acquired during a relationship. Marital property laws and other family laws related to marriage do not apply to unmarried couples, even in long-term relationships. The characterization of property acquired by unmarried cohabitants is less clear than that of married couples whose ownership of property is governed by marital and community property laws. Some property acquired by unmarried couples may be owned jointly, but it may be difficult to divide such property when the relationship ends. There is no obligation of financial support attached to a couple who cohabits, absent an agreement to the contrary. If you are financially dependent on a romantic partner and the relationship ends, the effects of the breakup can be much harsher.

How is cohabitation defined?

Cohabitation is generally defined as two people living together as if a married couple. State laws vary in defining cohabitation. Some states have statutes which make cohabitation a criminal offense under adultery laws. Under one state's law, cohabitation means "regularly residing with an adult of the same or opposite sex, if the parties hold themselves out as a couple, and regardless of whether the relationship confers a financial benefit on the party receiving alimony. Proof of sexual relations is admissible but not required to prove cohabitation." Another state statute defines cohabitation as "the dwelling together continuously and habitually of a man and a woman who are in a private conjugal relationship not solemnized as a marriage according to law, or not necessarily meeting all the standards of a common-law marriage." Yet another state, Georgia, defines cohabitation as "dwelling together continuously and openly in a meretricious relationship with another person, regardless of the sex of the other person.

Is it possible for unmarried couple to establish rights as a couple?

Living together, or cohabitation, in a non-marital relationship does not automatically entitle either party to acquire any rights in the property of the other party acquired during the period of cohabitation. However, adults who voluntarily live together and engage in sexual relations may enter into a contract to establish the respective rights and duties of the parties with respect to their earnings and the property acquired from their earnings during the nonmarital relationship. While parties to a nonmarital cohabitation agreement cannot lawfully contract to pay for the performance of sexual services, they may agree to pool their earnings and hold all property acquired during the relationship separately, jointly or to be governed by community property laws. They may also agree to pool only part of their earnings and property, form a partnership or joint venture or joint enterprise, or hold property as joint tenants or tenants in common, or agree to any other arrangement.

Other legal issues that may be affect cohabiting couples include estate planning and medical care. Generally, someone who cohabits with another is not considered an heir under the law or have the same rights to make medical care decisions in the same manner as a spouse. Therefore, unmarried cohabitants may consider estate planning and power of attorneys in addition to having a nonmarital agreement.

In some cases of people who formerly cohabited, courts have found a trust created in property of one person who cohabits with another, whereby the property is deemed held for the benefit of their domestic partner. When there is no formal trust agreement, a resulting trust may still be found under certain circumstances in order to enforce agreements regarding the property and income of domestic partners. If there is evidence that the parties intended to create a trust, but the formalities of a trust are lacking, the court may declare a resulting trust exists. The court may also declare that a constructive trust exists, which is essentially a legal fiction designed to avoid injustice and prevent giving an unfair advantage to one of the parties. This may be based on the contributions made by one partner to the property of the other. Each case is decided on its own facts, taking all circumstances into consideration.

Top Questions about Indiana Cohabitation Forms

  • Where can I get an affidavit of cohabitation?

    You can obtain an affidavit of cohabitation from various reliable online platforms, including legal document services. These platforms typically offer easy-to-use templates tailored for Indiana Cohabitation Forms. This approach saves you time and ensures you have the correct documentation to fulfill your legal requirements.

  • How to get a Cohabitation certificate?

    To obtain a Cohabitation certificate, you typically need to file the required documents with your local government. It's essential to gather supporting paperwork, such as identification and proof of residence. Using Indiana Cohabitation Forms can simplify this process, as they provide the necessary templates and instructions to ensure you complete the filing correctly.

  • How to create a cohabitation agreement?

    Creating a cohabitation agreement involves outlining the terms of your partnership, including property rights, financial responsibilities, and personal obligations. Begin by discussing each partner's expectations and intentions to ensure clarity. Indiana Cohabitation Forms provide templates and guidelines that help you draft an effective and legally binding cohabitation agreement.

  • What is an Affidavit of Cohabitation?

    An Affidavit of Cohabitation is a sworn statement that confirms the existence of a shared household between two people. This document often proves essential when addressing legal matters related to property, finances, or benefits. Utilizing Indiana Cohabitation Forms can help you establish a solid foundation for your relationship and its legal standing.

  • What is an Affidavit of cohabitant?

    An Affidavit of cohabitant is a legal document that both partners sign to affirm their living arrangement. This form serves to clarify the relationship and financial responsibilities between cohabitants. By using Indiana Cohabitation Forms, you can create a clearer understanding of your rights and obligations while living together.

  • What are the three types of cohabitation?

    The three types of cohabitation typically include informal cohabitation, cohabitation with an agreement, and cohabitation under a domestic partnership. Informal cohabitation occurs without any legal framework, while the other two types involve written agreements to protect each party's interests. Utilizing Indiana Cohabitation Forms fosters clear communication and legal support, ensuring both partners feel secure in their arrangement. This proactive approach can prevent misunderstandings down the line.

  • What are the different types of cohabitation?

    There are several types of cohabitation, including trial cohabitation, permanent cohabitation, and shared parenting arrangements. Each type has its unique characteristics and may require specific legal considerations. In Indiana, using Indiana Cohabitation Forms can help couples clarify their arrangements, whether they are testing their compatibility or committing long-term. This legal documentation can make navigating cohabitation smoother.

  • What are the three reasons for cohabitation?

    Cohabitation can provide emotional support, financial benefits, and convenience for couples. Many people choose to live together to build a strong foundation for their relationship while sharing expenses and responsibilities. Additionally, Indiana Cohabitation Forms allow couples to set up clear agreements that define their relationship. This ensures that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

  • Does Indiana have a homewrecker law?

    Indiana does have laws against alienation of affection, sometimes referred to as 'homewrecker' laws. This means a third party can be held liable if they knowingly interfere with a marriage or partnership. To avoid legal complications in your cohabiting relationship, consider using Indiana Cohabitation Forms to define boundaries and expectations.

  • What states do not allow cohabitation?

    While many states recognize cohabitation, a few have laws that create obstacles for unmarried couples. However, the majority of states, including Indiana, permit cohabitation. It is essential to have a cohabitation agreement; Indiana Cohabitation Forms can ensure your rights are protected and understood.

Tips for Preparing Indiana Cohabitation Forms

Talking about finance and bureaucracy when you're in a relationship is complicated. But the Indiana Cohabitation Forms is a vital phase that you and your partner need to take in order to stay together without having concerns about what might occur in the event you two broke up.

  1. Compose a list of the property and belongings, and financial obligations. You have to be honest with one another and discuss the things you need to pay and own. Include earnings and property, and so on. If you're going to buy a property or vehicle jointly, bring this up as well.
  2. Discuss inheritance. What happens to all the property if one of the partners passes away? To save yourself and your cohabitant from court procedures, add as much as possible in the terms of the inheritance in your agreement.
  3. Think about your kids. Mention who takes financial responsibility for your kids. If they have another parent who supports them, you should indicate it too and, in addition, outline how to use this financial help.
  4. Find an unbiased legal consultant. Plan of a cohabitation arrangement doesn't require any specific knowledge. But it's always better to get a fresh pair of eyes that can check your record for compliance with common law of marriage and so on. So for each cohabitant, visiting a local attorney is highly recommended.
  5. Always keep Indiana Cohabitation Forms up to date. Everything can change as time passes. Therefore, it is vital to check and update your cohabitation agreement with new specifics.