When two people decide to live together, it is common for the domestic partners/cohabitants to make joint purchases and share items and expenses with one another. While domestic partnerships most commonly include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered couples, a domestic partnership can also include heterosexual couples who decide to live together but do not intend to marry. Regardless of the situation, it is important for domestic partners to have a formal plan to protect their assets, children, financial interests and overall rights in the event of death or termination of their relationship. The family law attorneys at Williams Family Law, P.C., are available to offer their extensive knowledge and valuable assistance to prevent most of the legal complications that may occur in domestic partnerships.

Our Value: Practical Solutions for Domestic Partnerships in Bucks County

At Williams Family Law, we assist domestic partners and cohabitants by offering legal solutions that help them achieve their short-term and long-term family-related goals. As this is a developing area of the law, it is often necessary to implement effective and creative legal solutions. Our lawyers have the necessary experience and resources to help you and your partner protect your children, financial situation, assets and health care benefits. We provide direction and legal representation for a variety of domestic partners and protect their financial interests by preparing well-structured domestic partnership and cohabitation agreements.

The Basics of Domestic Partnership and Cohabitation Agreements

A domestic partnership agreement (also called a “cohabitation agreement”) is a legally binding contract that outlines the rights and obligations of two individuals who intend to live together but either do not wish to or are legally prohibited from marrying each other. Domestic partnership agreements are designed to protect the interests of both partners. They become especially important if the partners intend to bring children into the relationship. The specifications of a domestic partnership agreement include: information regarding the joint ownership of real estate or other assets; how gifts between the partners will be allocated upon termination of their relationship; the obligations of each partner in the event of a death or a termination of the relationship; whether or not monthly payments will be disbursed to either partner; and issues involving life insurance for each partner.

Domestic partners, particularly gay and lesbian couples, who do not have a domestic partnership agreement are likely to encounter legal issues if they decide to separate. If two partners have adopted a child during their relationship, the family court will formulate arrangements relating to child custody and the appropriate level of child support. If one of the partners is the biological parent of the child, these issues can become even more complicated.

Contact Us Regarding Your Needs for Domestic Partnerships and Cohabitation Agreements In Bucks County

If you are currently entering, or already part of, a domestic partnership, the experienced family attorneys at Williams Family Law will provide you with the necessary legal guidance to protect your assets, children, financial interests and overall rights in the event of death or termination of your relationship. To discuss your need for a domestic partnership agreement and cohabitation agreement with an experienced family law attorney, please contact our office.