Document background
A Legal Cohabitation Agreement is a crucial document for couples in New Zealand who are living together or planning to cohabit in a de facto relationship. This agreement is particularly important given New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976, which applies similar property-sharing rules to de facto relationships as to marriages after three years of cohabitation. The document outlines how property and financial matters will be handled during the relationship and in the event of separation, covering aspects such as property ownership, financial responsibilities, and dispute resolution procedures. It provides legal protection for both parties by clearly documenting their intentions and agreements, helping to prevent future disputes and providing certainty about their respective rights and obligations. The agreement should be reviewed periodically, especially when significant life changes occur, and requires independent legal advice for both parties to ensure its validity under New Zealand law.
