Why Prenups, Postnups, and Cohabitation Agreements Are a Smart Part of Your Financial Plan

When you think about financial planning, you might picture RRSPs, TFSAs, or paying off debt. But if you’re in a serious relationship—or planning to be—there’s one essential tool most people overlook: a relationship agreement.

Whether you’re married, living together, or planning to tie the knot, a prenup, postnup, or cohabitation agreement can protect your finances, reduce future conflict, and help you build a more stable future together. Here’s why these legal agreements should be on your financial planning checklist.

1. You’re Already Financially Intertwined—Even If You Don’t Realize It

If you’re in a committed relationship, chances are you’re already sharing expenses, planning your future together, or even buying property. What many couples don’t realize is that provincial family laws often apply by default, even if you never marry.

For example, in British Columbia, after two years of living together, you’re considered a common-law spouse—which can affect how assets and debts are divided if you separate.

That means: you already have a financial agreement… you just didn’t write it yourself.

Creating a custom agreement—like a cohabitation agreement, prenup or a postnup —lets you take control and decide what’s fair for you, instead of relying on default laws that might not reflect your values or the circumstances of your family.

2. It Protects Both Partners—Not Just the Wealthy One

A common myth is that prenups are only for celebrities or ultra-wealthy couples. In reality, these agreements are about clarity, communication, and fairness.

Whether you’re:

• Bringing in student debt
• Starting a small business
• Saving for a home
• Taking time off to raise children.

….a well drafted agreement can ensure both partners are protected and supported.

By setting out expectations around property ownership, debt, support obligations, and future earnings, relationship agreements reduce uncertainty and help prevent conflict down the road.

3. They Help You Plan for Life Changes

Life isn’t static—and neither are relationships. You might:

• Inherit money
• Change careers
• Buy a house together
• Start a family
  
  

A postnup or updated cohabitation agreement can reflect those changes. It’s not just about breakups—it’s about building a clear financial roadmap that evolves with your relationship.

Just like updating your will or insurance policy, updating your relationship agreement is a proactive step that gives you peace of mind.  We’ve built a straightforward review process into every Jointly agreement.

4. Financial Transparency Strengthens Relationships

Talking about money isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for a healthy partnership. Research shows that financial stress and lack of communication are major causes of relationship breakdowns.

By working through a prenup, postnup, or cohabitation agreement, couples:

• Open up about assets, debts, and financial goals
• Get on the same page before making big decisions
• Avoid surprises or assumptions later
  
  

It’s not a sign of mistrust—it’s a sign of respect and maturity.

5. Legal Agreements Save You Time, Money, and Stress Later

If a relationship ends, dividing assets or settling financial obligations without an agreement can be costly and emotionally draining. Legal battles often cost tens of thousands of dollars and take years to resolve.

A clear agreement:

• Helps avoid legal disputes
• Speeds up the separation process
• Reduces the risk of one-sided outcomes
  
  

Think of it like insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’re glad to have it if you do.

Make It Part of Your Financial Plan Today

If you’re already budgeting, investing, or planning for the future together, it makes sense to include a relationship agreement in your toolkit.

At Jointly, we make it easy to create custom prenups, postnups, and cohabitation agreements—online, at your own pace, and without the high cost of hiring a lawyer.

Our platform guides you through every step using plain language, so you can feel confident that your agreement reflects your values, goals, and future.

➡️ Take control of your financial future together