Family lawyers are essential in formalising agreements between family members or friends. People that live together require rules that favour each individual. Hence, what is the easiest way to craft such rules? A family lawyer can discuss your current living arrangement and create an agreement that helps you live in peace. Here are a few contracts your lawyer can develop. 

Cohabitation Agreement

People live together for different reasons without necessarily marrying each other. For example, you may reside with a friend or relative, and a contract is essential in minimising conflicts. A cohabitation agreement covers different issues, such as financial and medical obligations. You can make a verbal cohabitation agreement, but a written one is easy to prove. 

A family lawyer can assist by discussing the expectations and concerns of each party. The lawyer notarises the cohabitation agreement and makes it enforceable. A cohabitation agreement can help you minimise the risk of falling out due to disputes. The agreement also helps prevent the escalation of minor conflicts by offering an easy reference for resolution. 

Prenuptial Agreements

Married people living together combine different aspects of their lives, including debts, assets and bills. Prenuptial agreements cover all the items depending on the preferences of each person. For example, you may include a clause dictating that your spouse can only receive a portion of your assets if you do not separate for several years.

However, the prenuptial agreement can also help improve your relationship with your spouse. The agreement encourages couples to have honest conversations before marriage. Prenups also promote fairness; each party can enter the union aware of the other's interests. A family lawyer listens to both individual spouses to draft a prenuptial agreement addressing your needs. 

Postnuptial Agreement

A family lawyer can help you rectify the omission of a prenuptial agreement before via a postnuptial contract. Premarital assets would become marital property if you signed the marriage license. The postnuptial agreement ensures that both individuals come together to create a fair and equitable system that supports a harmonious marriage. 

For example, the agreement facilitates communication on sensitive issues such as inheritance, debt and property division. The agreement also ensures that both individuals can cordially discuss various issues, even during a conflict. This agreement is also essential in regulating matters, such as spending habits, which often result in disagreements and financial problems. 

A family lawyer can help create a cohabitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreement which boosts a peaceful and friendly environment in specific living situations.   

For more info about family law, contact a local professional.