Houston Non Marital Cohabitation Lawyers

Texas family law is broad in scope; however it does not generally define two unmarried people living together as a family. In order to create a sound legal basis for cohabitation (sometimes referred to as domestic partnership), one must often turn to contract law.

The Houston law firm of Fullenweider Wilhite has substantial experience in assisting unmarried couples establish a firm legal foundation for their relationship and to resolve any disputes over finances, property or children should the relationship end. Please contact us today to discuss your immediate legal needs and long-term goals.

Cohabitation Contracts

A cohabitation agreement (a legal contract) can firmly establish the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of each party with regards to any jointly-owned property. Having a cohabitation agreement in place can protect both parties and help provide a basis for resolving any legal disputes should the couple break up, because it could possibly protect or assert a claim for informal or common law marriage.

Legal disputes over assets, personal property and real estate in the dissolution of a domestic partnership (for either a heterosexual or same-sex couple) may be heard in civil court, often as a breach of contract action or joint business venture. All issues affecting children (paternity, custody and support) are appropriately referred to the family courts.

Informal or Common Law Marriage

In Texas, an informal marriage is one in which the parties live together (cohabitate), agreed to marry and hold themselves out to the community as husband and wife, whether or not the couple has registered at the county courthouse.

The dissolution of an informal marriage requires a court order, and thus is equivalent to a divorce. The capable and respected attorneys at Fullenweider Wilhite can assist you in asserting your rights in the breakup of a common law marriage.

Same-Sex Couples

Although Texas law does not grant the right of marriage to same-sex couples, a formal cohabitation agreement can provide the same level of protection for gay couples as it does for any other unmarried couples living together.

Fullenweider Wilhite can guide you in establishing a sound contractual basis for a domestic partnership. We can help define your custody rights if you are raising a child together or plan to do so. We can also assist you in resolving any disputes that may arise should the relationship end.

Real Results for Unmarried Couples: Our attorneys successfully defended a prominent local businessman against a claim of common law marriage. The firm has assisted numerous clients in establishing a sound legal basis for domestic partnership or cohabitation.

We believe that the interests of all parties are best served when cohabitation is formalized by a well-crafted and creative contract. Please contact our offices in Houston today to schedule and initial consultation with an experienced lawyer assisting unmarried couples in protecting their rights.