Cohabitation is living together and having a sexual relationship without being married.
In Maine, cohabitation refers to a couple living together in a long-term relationship that resembles a marriage, but without the legal formalities of marriage. Maine does not have specific statutes that govern cohabitation, meaning there are no laws that directly address the rights or obligations of cohabiting partners. However, cohabiting couples in Maine may still be subject to common law principles and may choose to create a cohabitation agreement to outline the terms of their relationship, including property rights and financial responsibilities. Such agreements can help protect each person's interests, but they must be created voluntarily and should ideally be drafted with the assistance of an attorney to ensure they are legally sound. It's important to note that cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights and protections as married couples, particularly in areas such as property division, inheritance, or spousal support in the event of a breakup or one partner's death.