Virginia Cohabitation Law VA Cohabitation Law VA Cohabitation Laws

Virginia cohabitation law is something you should know about. Virginia law provides several remedies when a married couple separates such as support payments and property distribution. However, the same remedies are not provided by law when an unmarried couple separates regardless of the number of years the couple has remained together. The Virginia cohabitation law is clear in this aspect, a domestic partnership which is also referred to as a civil union is not considered a valid marriage. As the Virginia law does not recognize a civil union, the remedies available to divorcing parties do not apply to individuals in a cohabitation relationship. The absence of a specific Virginia law to protect the interests of individuals, residing together as a couple without being married, places such couples in a disadvantageous position. If the couple decides to separate after cohabitation for several years, there are several complex issues that could arise. It is for these situations that the Virginia cohabitation agreement can be framed. Speaking about your situation with the family law attorney at The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you proceed in the right direction. Our family attorney will examine all aspects of your Virginia case to frame an appropriate cohabitation agreement.

Why Is A Virginia Cohabitation Agreement Needed?

The Virginia law does not recognize the relationship as a valid marriage when parties reside together even if the cohabitation relationship has remained unchanged for several years. Further, it is important to note that the Virginia law does not validate the cohabitation relationship between the partners even if children were born. It is surprising to know that Virginia law provides for child support for children born out of a civil union but no spousal support is legally recognized in these Virginia cases. After spending several years in a cohabitation relationship, the economically dependent partner is emotionally devastated when the separation occurs. During the cohabitation relationship, one party may have gained high progress in the career or may have gained high-value assets in the business. Such professional advancement would have become a possibility only due to the support of the domestic partner who may have given up the career to take care of the family and children. Merely because the couple is not legally married, the partner who has sacrificed his/her career and aspirations for the sake of the other partner should not be allowed to suffer. It is for these situations that a cohabitation agreement should be entered between the parties. Discuss your case with our Virginia family attorney who will carefully analyze the issues in your case to provide you with solutions that are enforceable under law. To obtain clarifications for your doubts about Virginia cohabitation law, speak to our family law attorney at The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our family attorney can provide you with clear information about the practical implications of your situation.

How To Frame A Virginia Cohabitation Agreement?

Cohabitation under a civil union is not recognized under Virginia law placing couples in such relationships at a disadvantage. To protect their interests, it is advisable for couples in cohabitation to secure their rights by entering into an agreement under Virginia law. Such agreements seek to protect the rights of the partners with respect to property acquired during the relationship. If the parties have started a business together, the distribution of the business should be clearly included in the agreement. Similarly, partners residing together for several years may have several deposit accounts; the division of these funds should also be included. In some cases, partners purchase several properties located in other countries, it is important to discuss the share each person is entitled to from such properties in the event of separation. Additionally, such agreements may mention terms for support when the relationship extends for several years. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand the need for these agreements. A skilled family attorney is familiar with situations like yours and can chalk out the perfect clauses in the agreement. If the parties are frank in the negotiation process, a fair agreement can be easily reached. It is also important to always be frank with your attorney about your preferences regarding splitting property and funds. To know more about what provisions should be included in your agreement, discuss your Virginia case with our family attorney at The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We can provide you with a clear outline of your rights and responsibilities under the Virginia cohabitation law.

What Are The Contents Of These Agreements?

The Virginia cohabitation agreement prepared with the guidance of a family law attorney outlines in clear terms how each property is to be split between the parties in case the parties decide to separate. Preparing a Virginia cohabitation agreement can be challenging without the guidance of a family law attorney. The formulation of a Virginia cohabitation agreement requires the consideration of several issues such as the extent of assets involved in the relationship. Also, the Virginia cohabitation agreement may include terms about the debts of each partner as to how these debts are to be repaid. Your attorney will tell you that these agreements are similar to the prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that are framed when parties are married. The contents of these agreements may be similar with the single difference that there is no marriage between the parties and divorce is not sought on separation. To know more about Virginia cohabitation law, consult with a proficient family law attorney. Our family law attorney can explain the possible problems that can arise in the implementation of these agreements. Speaking to our family law attorney will help you make the right decision about your relationship.

By hiring a Virginia cohabitation law attorney, all aspects of your case will be carefully examined. On a careful examination of the facts of your case, your Virginia cohabitation law attorney will suggest clauses that are tailor-made according to the needs of your case. If you are someone who has made contributions to the relationship including taking care of the minor children, then you should safeguard your interests by drafting a Virginia cohabitation agreement with the assistance of a family law attorney. All aspects of Virginia cohabitation law are complex and proceeding without the support of a Virginia cohabitation attorney can result in adverse consequences. Entering into a cohabitation agreement can raise a number of questions from your partner as to why you need it. It is important to convince your partner about the need to construct a flawless Virginia cohabitation agreement. The Virginia cohabitation attorneys have assisted several clients in safeguarding their property rights. When joint bank accounts and jointly named mortgage debts are involved, it is important to hire an attorney. Your attorney will prepare the document keeping in mind your priorities. Also, the draft will be prepared in anticipation of every possible development in the future. This ability to reasonably anticipate future issues is vital to drafting a perfect agreement that meets your requirements.

If you are not married and are cohabiting with your partner, it is important to consult with our lawyer at The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about the ways to protect your rights. Fix an appointment with us right away!!