When couples cohabitate but remain unmarried, the partners often want to define the rights, obligations, and responsibilities in their relationship. This concern is shared by both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

Non-marital agreements can serve any number of functions but can most commonly clarify responsibilities where the partners have a joint bank account or otherwise commingle assets and where they incur joint debt or there is a debt between them. Those responsibilities are most often defined during the relationship and upon termination of the relationship. The scope of the Agreement can be as broad or as narrow as may be suitable for each couple’s unique situation.