Missouri Cohabitation Forms - Common Law Marriage Missouri


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


Missouri Cohabitation Form Categories Missouri Common Law Marriage

Cohabitation Forms FAQ Missouri Cohabitation Laws

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.

Tips for Preparing Missouri Cohabitation Forms

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

  1. Create a list of the property and assets, and financial obligations. You have to be honest with one another and speak about what you owe and own. Include earnings and estate, and so forth. If you're thinking about buying a property or vehicle together, bring this up too.
  2. Focus on inheritance. What will happen to all the property if one of the partners dies? To save yourself and your cohabitant from court proceedings, include as much as possible in the terms of the inheritance in your contract.
  3. Think about your children. Explain who takes financial obligations for your kids. In case they have another parent who can handle them, you need to indicate it too and, additionally, describe how to use this financial help.
  4. Hire an unbiased legal expert. Preparation of a cohabitation agreement doesn't need any unique skills. But it's always much better to get a fresh pair of eyes that can examine your file for compliance with common law of marriage and so on. So for every cohabitant, going to a local attorney is highly advised.
  5. Keep Missouri Cohabitation Forms up to date. Anything can change after a while. For that reason, it is important to check and update your cohabitation agreement with new details.

What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that unmarried couples can use to protect their rights and clarify their responsibilities while living together. It is sort of like a contract that outlines how the couple will handle shared expenses, ownership of property, and other important matters. In Missouri, a cohabitation agreement can be used by any unmarried couple who wants to define their legal rights and obligations. It can provide peace of mind by ensuring that both partners are on the same page about their living arrangement and can help resolve any potential disputes that may arise in the future.


What’s the Difference Between Cohabitation and Marriage?

Cohabitation and marriage are two different ways that people can choose to live together. In simple terms, cohabitation means living together as a couple without being legally married. It is a more informal arrangement where a couple can share a home and live their lives together without the legal and financial responsibilities that come with marriage. On the other hand, marriage is a legally recognized union between two people that provides them with certain rights and obligations. In Missouri, the difference between cohabitation and marriage is that marriage is a legally binding contract that requires a marriage license, while cohabitation does not have any legal requirements. Couples who choose to marry in Missouri have certain legal protections and rights that couples who are only cohabiting do not have.


When To Get a Cohabitation Agreement

A Cohabitation Agreement in Missouri is a good idea for unmarried couples who are living together or planning to live together. This legal agreement outlines important aspects of their relationship and helps protect their rights and interests. It is a useful tool to address issues such as property ownership, financial responsibilities, and child support if applicable. By creating a Cohabitation Agreement, couples can avoid disputes and uncertainties in the future, ensuring a more stable and secure living arrangement. It is especially important for couples in Missouri, where the state does not recognize common-law marriages.


What Are the Legal Rights for Couples Living Together?

Couples living together have certain legal rights, which can differ depending on the state they live in. In Missouri, the legal rights for couples living together are not as strong as those for married couples. In general, couples who are not married in Missouri do not have the same legal protections and benefits. For example, they may not have the automatic right to inherit property from each other, make medical decisions for each other, or receive spousal support after a separation. It is important for couples living together in Missouri to understand their legal rights and consider other legal options, such as creating a cohabitation agreement or getting married, to protect themselves and their relationship.


Consequences of Not Using a Cohabitation Agreement

Not using a cohabitation agreement in Missouri can have significant consequences for couples who are living together but not legally married. Without a cohabitation agreement, there is no legally recognized framework to address issues such as property division, financial obligations, or decision-making in case of separation or death. This lack of legal protection can lead to disputes, confusion, and financial hardships for both parties involved. It is important for couples to understand that without a cohabitation agreement, they may not have the same rights and protections as married couples, making it essential to seek legal guidance to ensure their interests are safeguarded.