This got me thinking about the future and if I will ever live with someone. I have never been in a long enough relationship where I have had that initial I want to live with him one day thought and I don't think it will be happening anytime soon. With the rise of divorce lawyers being hired to see the journey of a divorce from start to finish; even marriage is just not something I want to get involved with so young.
I am honestly really enjoying being single right now and being able to do my own thing. For the first time, I actually don't care about dating or trying to maintain a conversation with someone. I tweeted this the other day, but the time I would usually put into a guy, I am now putting into myself at the gym and it's the best feeling! I haven't got any intentions of trying to look for love and feel like it's the best way to be when you're just so fed up of being treated the same way by different guys. No one proves that they are different.
Anyway, what with all of the political business going on at the moment, I doubt I will be able to afford to move out within the next few years. I will never want to house share, so will I ever be able to afford to live on my own? Do I just wait for the day where a hot guy falls in love with me, does all of the right things and we coincidentally end up in Ikea on a Sunday shopping for bits for our kitchen?
Cohabitation is quite a scary prospect for me. I don't want to be picking up crusty boxers at the end of our bed (even worse if they are Marvel ones) and I certainly don't want to be the one slaving away peeling carrots and potatoes every evening.
Considering relationships never seem to work out for me, a cohabitation agreement is something that I would consider if I ever moved in with someone. This encourages couples to talk about their intentions before moving in together and what should happen if the relationship ever broke down.
Who's going to claim the velvet sofa? What about the brand new 50 inch TV? Who gets the dog? Well, it's all in your cohabitation agreement that can be drawn up by London divorce lawyers, prior to moving in.
Moving in with a partner is a big step in any relationship and I look forward to the day where I feel ready to do this with someone. However, there are many things to consider if a break up was to ever happen. I personally would prefer to secure such a big step in my relationship and have everything covered from day one. Whilst it's not good to have negative thoughts about the future, it's also a good idea to be prepared should anything ever happen.
Oh, and I would definitely get first dibs on the dog. Just saying.
Disclaimer: In collaboration with KMJ Solicitors. All words are my own.
I got the cats, he got the TV and the house. I still think I got the better deal :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, this is interesting. I guess it's similar to a marriage prenup. I actually don't have any agreements but am super happy in my marriage and relationship. I can see how this would be useful to many people especially those testing out cohabiting. My cousin just split up with his partner and it got nasty... when it came to belongings.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good idea especially if there are big sums of money involved. We are going through a divorce currently which makes you think about these sort of issues.
ReplyDeleteHaving just had to move out of my boyfriend's place and finding myself now homeless, I wish we had had some sort of cohabiting agreement in place (especially as I gave him monthly rent towards the mortgage, paid for all the food shopping and was the one that took care of "his" dog). But you live and learn! xx
ReplyDeleteSome very interesting points here that I'd never thought about when living with someone else, before I got married...
ReplyDeleteI've never actually lived with a partner, but I've been house sharing for years, I can totally see how having an agreement could help. But I also know people tend to buy small things, you tend to chip in for big things and it just gets a bit messy in the end. I guess you just have to find the one - no pressure, eh?! Ha! x
ReplyDeleteI guess I am just less practical, I always picture the happily ever after ending.
ReplyDeleteSome good points here, it does sound like a very good idea. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI have never really lived in a situation like this other than with my partner, I did live in a building where we had our own bedsits but communial areas that's that closest I got. I don't think I could deal with living with many others (or many others could deal with living with me).
ReplyDeleteI must admit I have never thought about having a cohabitation agreement before so this was an interesting perspective
ReplyDeleteI've been living with my boyfriend for 6 years now and there are moments where I wish we had a formal agreement!
ReplyDeleteI think a formal agreement for things is a really good thing especially when it isn't just one person moving into the others place but you're looking for a place together x
ReplyDeleteI've been with my partner for 6 years now, living together for 4, and our finances are so intertwined that we would both loose out if we had to untangle them.
ReplyDeleteShe knows where I stand on this - I'm a minimalist by nature so don't care about things like furniture or various bits she likes to buy for the house. My only possession worth fighting over is my car, which there would be no dispute about. Everything else, she would be welcome to
I agree that a cohabitation agreement would be needed for some people, but not all. Some simply don't mind what goes and what doesn't. I also think that it would stop you from creating a fully inclusive relationship, knowing that legally, you are separated by the value of your belongings.
It scares me too and I don't know how I feel about sharing my room and my things. It is a scary step to make x
ReplyDeleteIt's always a good idea to be prepared, a mutual agreement like this is a really good idea when making such a big decision.
ReplyDeleteI've never lived with someone before but having a formal agreement is definitely a good idea x
ReplyDeleteSome excellent points here, I know someone who has just moved in with no agreement at all! I will deffo share the article with them :) x
ReplyDeleteSome very interesting points here and I never thought about them before to be honest but its something to think about thats for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of anything like this before, so this was super interesting! Some very valid points....great job bringing up a great new topic!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea as I know so many people that have ended up rowing over even the smallest salt and pepper pots! Best to get it all in agreement first
ReplyDeleteWoweeee! Cohabitation agreements didn't exist when my folks got together and it all sounds a bit negative and tempting fate, however we can see the usefulness in it if a relationship did go to pot. Intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI actually think this is a fab idea!! I know of people who have really struggles on moving in together and the break down of a relationship so I agree!!
ReplyDeleteThis is actually such a sensible concept! If everyone did this it would perhaps save a lot of heartache!
ReplyDeleteOne always needs to be sensible and aware of the practicalities, even though it may dampen the romance a bit. When I was younger I would have blindly gone in without even considering the material possessions bit, but can see how it can help.
ReplyDeleteLuckily I haven't experienced this and touch wood I won't! It is always better to be safe than sorry though..
ReplyDeleteOoh I hadn't ever thought about a cohab agreement but reading this post made me think about just how essential it is in today's time :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I would 100% consider getting a cohabitation agree if I lived with a partner so that terms and conditions would be established, and so that I can hold onto what's mine. :)
ReplyDeleteChichi
chichiwrites.com