Example Agreements to Live Together

Bob and Carol dated for four months. They decided they wanted to live together without getting married. They plan to continue their jobs--Bob as a salesperson at a department store; Carol as a junior high school teacher. They decide to formalize their relationship and responsibilities in writing. Carol and Bob prepared a two-page statement that they both signed. They agree to share equally in living expenses--rent at a new apartment they’ll obtain together, electricity, gas, groceries, and telephone (each pays for his or her own long distance calls). They each will be responsible for their own personal expenses such as clothes and car payments. If Bob and Carol break up one year later and one of them has not paid half the expenses, the promise to pay half the expenses probably would be legally enforceable, assuming there is proof of the agreement and one party’s lack of payment.

Ted and Alice met at a dance where Ted was a member of the band and Alice was a guest. After dating two days, Alice moved in with Ted. They traveled often and loved staying up late at night. Alice quit her part-time job as a secretary. Ted continued to work with his successful band. In a romantic moment at 3 a.m. two months into the relationship, Ted said, “This is great! I’ll take care of you, Alice. I hope we’re always be together!” Four months later, Ted finds a woman with whom he would rather spend his time, and he asks Alice to move out. Alice sues for support and for half of Ted’s earnings during the relationship. Alice is likely to lose. The agreement is not specific enough. She apparently did not specifically agree to give up something to obtain particular benefits from Ted. In addition, companionship (and sex) is not a basis for an enforceable agreement between two people living together.