Cohabitation Agreement Attorneys in Media, Delaware County, PA

Joint property ownership is a significant commitment, especially when couples purchase homes together without the legal protections that marriage can provide. At Thompson & Donati Law, we help clients in Media, PA, avoid complex real estate disputes through well-crafted cohabitation agreements. Our experienced cohabitation agreement attorneys work to secure your property rights and prevent costly legal battles.

Preventing Property Disputes Before They Arise

The dream of owning property together can quickly become a legal challenge if the relationship ends. Without a clear legal agreement, disputes over property division often lead to contentious court battles known as Partition Actions. These are court-ordered property divisions where one party may be forced to sell or give up their share, regardless of previous financial contributions.

Cohabitation agreements can prevent this scenario by outlining each person’s financial responsibilities, ownership shares, and plans for the property if the relationship ends. This legal clarity helps avoid misunderstandings and reduces the likelihood of a costly Partition Action.

What Is a Partition Action?

A Partition Action is a legal process where jointly owned property is divided by court order when co-owners cannot agree on how to manage or sell the property. In Pennsylvania, the court can order the sale of the property and distribute the proceeds based on each party’s contributions. This process is often lengthy, emotionally draining, and financially burdensome.

Our attorneys help clients navigate these disputes by seeking fair resolutions outside of court when possible. When litigation is necessary, we provide assertive representation to protect our clients’ property rights.

The Importance of a Cohabitation Agreement

A cohabitation agreement acts as a legally binding contract that defines property ownership, financial contributions, and dispute resolution terms. Key elements often include:

• Ownership Shares: Establishing how much of the property each party owns based on financial contributions.
• Financial Responsibilities: Outlining who pays the mortgage, taxes, and upkeep costs.
• Exit Strategy: Defining what happens if the relationship ends, including whether one party can buy out the other’s share or if the property should be sold.

By addressing these issues proactively, cohabitation agreements help couples avoid legal uncertainty and costly court disputes.