Crystal Wright | July 29, 2025 | Family Law
Living with a romantic partner without getting married is more common than ever. However, in Georgia, unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights as married spouses. If you live in Lawrenceville and share a home, expenses, or property with your partner, a cohabitation agreement or non-marital contract can help protect your interests.
These agreements aren’t just for high-income couples, as they can benefit anyone who wants to avoid legal confusion if the relationship ends. Here, we explain how these contracts work and why they may be a smart move for couples living together in Georgia.
What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A cohabitation agreement is a written contract between two people who live together in a romantic relationship but are not married. This document outlines how you and your partner will handle property, finances, and other responsibilities during your relationship and after a potential breakup.
Some things commonly addressed in a cohabitation agreement include:
- Who owns what property
- How bills and household expenses are divided
- What happens to jointly owned property if the relationship ends
- How debts will be handled
- Whether either partner will provide financial support after separation
This type of agreement gives both people clarity and can help avoid disputes in the future.
Are These Agreements Enforceable in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia courts generally recognize and enforce cohabitation agreements, as long as they are written clearly and do not violate public policy. That said, these agreements must be signed voluntarily and with full disclosure of each partner’s finances.
Georgia does not recognize common-law marriage unless it was established in another state before the couple moved here. So, without a formal contract, you may not have legal protection even if you’ve lived together for years.
Why Non-Marital Contracts Matter in Lawrenceville
While cohabitation agreements often focus on romantic partners, non-marital contracts can apply to any two people who live together and share financial responsibilities. This might include roommates, friends, or family members.
Without a written agreement, courts may treat you as separate individuals, meaning one person could lose property or other assets they thought were shared. A non-marital contract allows you to create your own rules rather than relying on default state laws that don’t apply to unmarried couples.
What Happens if You Break Up Without an Agreement?
If you separate and don’t have a contract, things can quickly get complicated. You may disagree over who owns various pieces of property, for instance. One person might feel entitled to repayment for expenses or support, but the other may not agree.
Since there’s no automatic legal framework like divorce for unmarried couples, courts have limited ability to resolve these kinds of disputes. In many cases, you may be left with no legal recourse at all.
A cohabitation or non-marital agreement can help avoid these problems. It puts everything in writing before a breakup occurs and gives both people peace of mind while they’re together.
Contact the Lawrenceville Family Law Attorney at Crystal Wright Law, LLC for Help Today
If you live with your partner in Lawrenceville and want to protect your rights, it may be time to consider a cohabitation agreement. These contracts can save you time, money, and potentially a lot of stress down the line.
An experienced Lawrenceville family lawyer at Crystal Wright Law, LLC can help you draft an agreement that’s clear and enforceable under Georgia law. Contact us today to get started with an initial consultation.
We serve all through Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County and its surrounding areas.
Crystal Wright Law – Atlanta Office
1718-1720 Peachtree St NW, Suite 920, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404)-594-2143
Crystal Wright Law – Lawrenceville Office
440 S. Perry Street, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(404)-649-5554
