What Is a Cohabitation / Life Partnership Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement — also called a life partnership agreement — is a legally binding contract between two people who live together (or intend to live together) in a committed relationship without being married. It sets out the rights, obligations, and arrangements between the partners, including:

• Ownership of existing and future property
• How household expenses and living costs will be shared
• Financial responsibilities towards each other
• What happens to jointly owned assets if the relationship ends
• Arrangements regarding debts, vehicles, furniture, and other assets
• Provisions in the event of death of either partner

In South Africa, cohabitation agreements are most commonly entered into for one of two reasons: to support a Life Partner Visa application at the Department of Home Affairs, or to provide legal protection and clarity for couples who live together without marriage.