Marriage Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements: Difference between revisions

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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
==Relationships don’t always last forever==
Not all relationships last forever. With a marriage or cohabitation agreement, couples can plan for if their relationship ends, as well as how to handle things while they are together.
About one in every two marriages will end in a divorce. The rate of breakdown of unmarried relationships is even higher. Although you may love the person you live with and probably expect the relationship to be permanent, it’s smart to make plans about how things will unfold if the relationship ends.


==You could consider a marriage agreement or a cohabitation agreement==
==Understand your legal rights==
This script explains marriage and cohabitation agreements—what they are, what they can and cannot do, and why to have one. A cohabitation agreement is sometimes also called a “living together agreement”, and marriage agreements are sometimes called “pre-nuptial agreements” or just a “pre-nup”.


This script covers only married spouses and unmarried spouses. People who are not spouses or do not think they will become spouses require different kind of legal information and should get legal advice.
===The purpose of a marriage or cohabitation agreement===
Marriage and cohabitation agreements are '''contracts'''. As with a contract you might have with a landlord or an employer, each party promises to do something in exchange for something the other party promises to do.


==Who is a spouse?==
A '''marriage agreement''' can be between spouses who are already married, or people who are planning to marry.  
Under the BC ''[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/11025_01 Family Law Act]'', a spouse is:
*someone who is married;
*someone who has lived with someone else in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years; and
*for the parts of the ''Family Law Act'' that do not deal with property and debt, someone who has lived with someone else in a marriage-like relationship for less than two years if the couple has had a child together.


==What are marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements?==
A '''cohabitation agreement''' can be between people who are already living together or people who are planning to live together.
Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements are contracts, just like any other type of contract such as the contract you might have with a landlord or a business partner. They are written documents that summarize each person’s legal obligations to the other.


Marriage agreements can be between spouses who are already married, or people who are planning to marry. Cohabitation agreements can be between people who are already living together or people who are planning to live together.
(Under the BC ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2011-c-25/latest/sbc-2011-c-25.html#sec3_smooth Family Law Act]'', couples are “spouses” if they are married or have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years. Couples who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for less time but have a child together are also spouses, except for when it comes to property, debt or pensions.)


Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements identify who each person is and state the purpose of the agreement. Then they set out promises that each person makes to the other, usually about what will happen if the relationship ends, but sometimes also what will happen during the relationship. They also say when they will take effect, which might be the date the couple marry or begin living together, or the date the agreement is signed.
Marriage and cohabitation agreements set out promises each person makes to the other, usually about what will happen if the relationship ends, but sometimes also what will happen during the relationship. The main goal is to avoid future conflict.  


==What are the legal requirements for a marriage agreement or cohabitation agreement?==
These types of agreements are often used at the start of second relationships, especially when there are children from a previous relationship. They are also often used when one party is bringing more money or debt into the relationship.
Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements must be in writing. Both of you must sign the agreement, and your signatures must be witnessed by at least one other person. The witnesses are not bound by your agreement—they are just saying that they saw you sign it.


==Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements usually deal with financial issues==
===The legal requirements for an agreement===
Typically, marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements talk about who will manage and own property and debts during the relationship, and how those financial issues will be handled if the relationship breaks down. They sometimes also say whether spousal support will be paid if the relationship breaks down.
A marriage or cohabitation agreement must be in '''writing'''. Both parties must '''sign''' the agreement, and their signatures must be '''witnessed''' by at least one other person. The witnesses are not bound by the agreement — they are just saying they saw the parties sign the agreement.


For example, an agreement might say that each spouse will keep whatever property they had before they started living together, even if they later break up. It might also say that if the spouses separate, one spouse will have the right to stay in the family home (at least temporarily) and perhaps receive support from the other spouse for a certain time and a certain portion of the family property. It may also say that each spouse will get an increasing share of the other spouse’s own, excluded property the longer the relationship lasts. There are many possible arrangements for how property, debts and spousal support will be dealt with. You should speak to a lawyer if you are thinking about getting a marriage agreement or cohabitation agreement.
===Issues a marriage or cohabitation agreement might deal with===
Typically, a marriage or cohabitation agreement talks about how '''property''' and '''debts''' will be managed during the relationship, and how property and debts will be divided if the couple breaks up. They sometimes also say if spousal support will be paid if the relationship ends.


Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements sometimes talk about how children brought into the marriage or relationship will be cared for after separation. The ''Family Law Act'' says they cannot talk about how children born during the marriage will be cared after separation, and they usually don’t talk about child support.
For example, an agreement might say that in the event you and your partner split up, each of you will keep whatever property you had before you started living together. It might also say in the event you separate, one of you will have the right to stay in the family home (at least temporarily) and perhaps receive support from the other for a certain time as well as a certain portion of the property you acquire during the relationship. It may also say that each of you will get an increasing share of the other’s own “excluded property” the longer the relationship lasts. There are many possible arrangements for how property, debts and spousal support can be dealt with.


==Does the agreement have to be fair?==
A marriage or cohabitation agreement might also cover what will happen '''during the relationship'''. For example, it might say how household chores or household expenses will be handled during the relationship.
If both spouses get legal advice from their own lawyers and the agreement is reasonable, it will most likely be enforced by a court if one spouse tries to ignore, change, or break the agreement after it’s signed. But contracts that are significantly unfair to either person, were unfairly entered into, or were made without full financial disclosure may be overturned by a court, especially if one or both parties did not get independent legal advice about the meaning of the agreement and the consequences of signing it.


==What things will not be enforced?==
===Issues a marriage or cohabitation agreement can’t deal with===
The law imposes certain obligations on married and unmarried spouses that you cannot contract out of with an agreement. Also, some terms will never be enforced by a court, such as a contract about having sex, remaining childless, or to end the marriage after a certain time.
The law imposes certain obligations on married and unmarried spouses that they cannot contract out of with an agreement such as the legal duty of each parent to provide support for their child.  


==Agreements about children==
Under the ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2011-c-25/latest/sbc-2011-c-25.html#sec44_smooth Family Law Act]'', any agreement about '''parenting arrangements''' or the payment of '''child support''' is only binding if it is made after separation or when the parties are about to separate.
Although you can make a marriage or cohabitation agreement that talks about the care and financial support of any children born during the relationship, the contract will not be binding on you if your relationship breaks down. On the other hand, contracts that talk about the care and financial support of children will be binding if they are made in contemplation of separation or after separation.


==When and why are marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements used?==
===The enforceability of an agreement===  
Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements are sometimes intended to govern how things will work during a relationship. More often, they’re intended to govern how things will work out if the relationship ends, and to settle these issues now, before separation. The parties hope to avoid future conflict and litigation. The issues easiest to resolve ahead of time usually involve the division of family property and excluded property, responsibility for debts, and the payment of spousal support.
A court can overturn a marriage or cohabitation agreement where a party behaved '''unfairly''' or took advantage of the other party. For example, an agreement may be set aside where a party failed to disclose significant property or debts. Or an agreement signed under pressure a day or two before a wedding may not be enforceable.


Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements are often used at the start of second relationships, especially when there are children from a previous relationship. They are also often used when one spouse is bringing more money or debt into the relationship.
There must be fairness in the way the agreement is negotiated, fairness in the way it is drafted, and fairness in the way it is signed.  


==Can you change or end an agreement?==
A key way to achieve fairness is to have each party get '''independent legal advice''' before signing the agreement. This involves each party meeting with their own lawyer to get advice about what the agreement means, what rights and obligations the agreement gives to each party, and how the agreement affects other legal options that might otherwise be available.
You and your spouse can always change or cancel your agreement if you both agree to do so. Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements are changed by making a second written agreement, called an “addendum agreement” or an “amending agreement”, to change some parts of the first agreement or to cancel and replace it. Like the first agreement, you must sign the new agreement and your signatures must be witnessed.


==You should consult a lawyer==
===Changing or ending an agreement===
If you want a marriage agreement or cohabitation agreement, you can write down some general ideas and expectations with your spouse and either prepare a written agreement based on these notes or have a lawyer draft the agreement. An agreement signed under pressure a day or two before a wedding may not be enforceable.
The parties to a marriage or cohabitation agreement can always change or cancel their agreement if they both agree to do so. An agreement can be changed by making a second written agreement, called an “addendum agreement” or an “amending agreement”, to change some parts of the first agreement or to cancel and replace it. Like the first agreement, the parties must sign the new agreement and their signatures must be witnessed.


Whether you have a lawyer write the agreement or not, you should meet with a family law lawyer for advice about how the agreement affects your rights and obligations, including your future rights and obligations, before you sign it.
==Common questions==


==Your spouse must see a lawyer too==
===My fiance is pressuring me to sign a marriage agreement. Do I have to?===
This may seem unnecessary when the two of you have an agreement. But having your own lawyers lowers the chance of either of you later saying to a court, “I didn’t know what I was signing” or “I only signed it because I thought I had no choice”. If you want a marriage agreement or a cohabitation agreement, you want to make sure it will do the job, and it’s usually worthwhile to spend the extra time and money to do it properly.
No. There is no legal requirement that you must have a marriage agreement if you're planning to marry someone (or a cohabitation agreement if you’re planning to live with someone). You can't be forced to sign one.


==Summary==
===Should I see a lawyer to prepare an agreement?===
If you’re considering a marriage agreement or a cohabitation agreement, discuss the idea with your spouse or future spouse, and then discuss it with a lawyer. Marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements usually deal with financial issues. If your spouse breaks the agreement, you can sue to enforce the agreement, just like any other contract.
If you want to make a marriage or cohabitation agreement, you can write down some general ideas and expectations with your partner and either prepare a written agreement based on these notes or have a lawyer draft the agreement.  


==More information==
Whether you have a lawyer write the agreement or not, it is highly advisable to meet with a family law lawyer for advice about how the agreement affects your rights and obligations, before you sign it.
*For more on cohabitation agreements, see the [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Cohabitation_Agreements Cohabitation Agreements page] of ''JP Boyd on Family Law''.
 
*For more on marriage agreements, see the [http://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php/Marriage_Agreements Marriage Agreements page].
===Should my spouse and I use separate lawyers?===
This may seem unnecessary when the two of you have an agreement. But as a general rule, each person who enters into a marriage or cohabitation agreement should get '''independent legal advice''', advice from their own lawyer, before signing the agreement.
 
Independent legal advice is important for two reasons: it ensures the parties know exactly what their rights and obligations are, and it makes the agreement stronger by preventing a party from claiming later on they didn't fully understand what the agreement meant or how it would impact them.
 
==Get help==
 
===With more information===
The wikibook '''''JP Boyd on Family Law''''', hosted by Courthouse Libraries BC, has indepth information on marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements, including drafting tips.
:Web: [https://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php?title=Family_Law_Agreements wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca]




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[updated October 2018]
[updated October 2018]


'''The above was last edited by John Blois.'''
'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [https://www.southcoastlaw.ca/renee-aldana/ Renée Aldana], South Coast Law Group, and [http://jimalelawcorp.com/about-zahra/ Zahra H. Jimale], Jimale Law Corporation.'''


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Revision as of 06:14, 12 February 2019

Not all relationships last forever. With a marriage or cohabitation agreement, couples can plan for if their relationship ends, as well as how to handle things while they are together.

Understand your legal rights

The purpose of a marriage or cohabitation agreement

Marriage and cohabitation agreements are contracts. As with a contract you might have with a landlord or an employer, each party promises to do something in exchange for something the other party promises to do.

A marriage agreement can be between spouses who are already married, or people who are planning to marry.

A cohabitation agreement can be between people who are already living together or people who are planning to live together.

(Under the BC Family Law Act, couples are “spouses” if they are married or have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years. Couples who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for less time but have a child together are also spouses, except for when it comes to property, debt or pensions.)

Marriage and cohabitation agreements set out promises each person makes to the other, usually about what will happen if the relationship ends, but sometimes also what will happen during the relationship. The main goal is to avoid future conflict.

These types of agreements are often used at the start of second relationships, especially when there are children from a previous relationship. They are also often used when one party is bringing more money or debt into the relationship.

The legal requirements for an agreement

A marriage or cohabitation agreement must be in writing. Both parties must sign the agreement, and their signatures must be witnessed by at least one other person. The witnesses are not bound by the agreement — they are just saying they saw the parties sign the agreement.

Issues a marriage or cohabitation agreement might deal with

Typically, a marriage or cohabitation agreement talks about how property and debts will be managed during the relationship, and how property and debts will be divided if the couple breaks up. They sometimes also say if spousal support will be paid if the relationship ends.

For example, an agreement might say that in the event you and your partner split up, each of you will keep whatever property you had before you started living together. It might also say in the event you separate, one of you will have the right to stay in the family home (at least temporarily) and perhaps receive support from the other for a certain time as well as a certain portion of the property you acquire during the relationship. It may also say that each of you will get an increasing share of the other’s own “excluded property” the longer the relationship lasts. There are many possible arrangements for how property, debts and spousal support can be dealt with.

A marriage or cohabitation agreement might also cover what will happen during the relationship. For example, it might say how household chores or household expenses will be handled during the relationship.

Issues a marriage or cohabitation agreement can’t deal with

The law imposes certain obligations on married and unmarried spouses that they cannot contract out of with an agreement — such as the legal duty of each parent to provide support for their child.

Under the Family Law Act, any agreement about parenting arrangements or the payment of child support is only binding if it is made after separation or when the parties are about to separate.

The enforceability of an agreement

A court can overturn a marriage or cohabitation agreement where a party behaved unfairly or took advantage of the other party. For example, an agreement may be set aside where a party failed to disclose significant property or debts. Or an agreement signed under pressure a day or two before a wedding may not be enforceable.

There must be fairness in the way the agreement is negotiated, fairness in the way it is drafted, and fairness in the way it is signed.

A key way to achieve fairness is to have each party get independent legal advice before signing the agreement. This involves each party meeting with their own lawyer to get advice about what the agreement means, what rights and obligations the agreement gives to each party, and how the agreement affects other legal options that might otherwise be available.

Changing or ending an agreement

The parties to a marriage or cohabitation agreement can always change or cancel their agreement if they both agree to do so. An agreement can be changed by making a second written agreement, called an “addendum agreement” or an “amending agreement”, to change some parts of the first agreement or to cancel and replace it. Like the first agreement, the parties must sign the new agreement and their signatures must be witnessed.

Common questions

My fiance is pressuring me to sign a marriage agreement. Do I have to?

No. There is no legal requirement that you must have a marriage agreement if you're planning to marry someone (or a cohabitation agreement if you’re planning to live with someone). You can't be forced to sign one.

Should I see a lawyer to prepare an agreement?

If you want to make a marriage or cohabitation agreement, you can write down some general ideas and expectations with your partner and either prepare a written agreement based on these notes or have a lawyer draft the agreement.

Whether you have a lawyer write the agreement or not, it is highly advisable to meet with a family law lawyer for advice about how the agreement affects your rights and obligations, before you sign it.

Should my spouse and I use separate lawyers?

This may seem unnecessary when the two of you have an agreement. But as a general rule, each person who enters into a marriage or cohabitation agreement should get independent legal advice, advice from their own lawyer, before signing the agreement.

Independent legal advice is important for two reasons: it ensures the parties know exactly what their rights and obligations are, and it makes the agreement stronger by preventing a party from claiming later on they didn't fully understand what the agreement meant or how it would impact them.

Get help

With more information

The wikibook JP Boyd on Family Law, hosted by Courthouse Libraries BC, has indepth information on marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements, including drafting tips.

Web: wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca


[updated October 2018]

The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by Renée Aldana, South Coast Law Group, and Zahra H. Jimale, Jimale Law Corporation.


Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence Dial-A-Law © People's Law School is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence.