Cohabitation is living together and having a sexual relationship without being married.
In Massachusetts, cohabitation refers to a couple living together in a long-term relationship that resembles a marriage, but without the legal formalities of marriage. While cohabitation itself is not illegal, it does not carry the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage. Massachusetts law does not provide cohabiting couples with the same automatic property rights, inheritance rights, or spousal support that married couples receive. However, cohabiting partners can enter into cohabitation agreements to outline the financial and property arrangements between them. Such agreements can help protect each person's interests in the event of a breakup, but they must be carefully drafted to be enforceable. Additionally, if a cohabiting couple separates, there is no formal court process for the division of property unless a cohabitation agreement or other contract is in place. It's important for individuals in a cohabitation arrangement to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and to consider creating a cohabitation agreement.