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My partner and I don’t plan on getting married. Can we still get a prenup?

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In Canada, a prenuptial agreement is specifically designed for couples who plan to get married. However, if you and your partner are not planning to get married but still want to establish legal and financial arrangements, you can make a cohabitation agreement.

A cohabitation agreement serves the same purpose as a prenuptial agreement but is tailored for unmarried couples who live together or plan to live together. This agreement allows you to outline how assets, debts, property, and other matters will be managed during the relationship and in the event of a breakup or separation.

Cohabitation agreements can cover a wide range of issues, including:

  • Division of property and assets acquired during the relationship
  • Financial support or obligations during the relationship or in the event of separation
  • Responsibilities for shared expenses and household finances
  • Some things about children and/or step-children, if applicable
  • Any other matters that are important to you and your partner.

By creating a cohabitation agreement, you and your partner can clarify expectations, protect your interests, and establish a framework for your relationship, even if marriage is not in your plans.

Click here to start building your agreement together.

Aimee Schalles
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Jointly is only suitable where both partners are adults. Send us a note if you have any questions!

If one or both of you are not completely honest about your assets or debts, a judge could later decide that the agreement was unfair and decide not to enforce it if the relationship ends. Jointly is not a good fit for you unless you're prepared to share details about your assets and debts with your partner.  Send us a note if you have any questions!

Jointly is not able to handle the separation of a jointly operated business. Send us a note if you have questions!

Jointly does not support planning for property on reserves. Send us a note to let us know what you'd like to see incorporated into our future plans!

At present, Jointly is not able to support committed polyamorous relationships. Send us a note to let us know what you'd like to see incorporated into our future plans!

Relationship agreements which include parenting arrangements are not enforceable unless you are already separated or thinking about separating. Because of this, Jointly does not have the option to include parenting arrangements that would apply if your relationship ends . Send us a note if you have any questions!

You should not sign a relationship agreement if someone is forcing you to do so or if there is abuse in your relationship. Please talk to a lawyer, who can help you navigate this situation.

Jointly may be a good fit for your relationship!

Learn More

Cohabitation Agreement vs Prenup

How Does A Prenuptial Agreement Work?

Pros and Cons of Prenuptial Agreements

When Do You Become Common Law?

The best time to make a relationship agreement is when you move in together.

The next best time is now.

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