If you’re an unmarried couple living together, you may think that keeping your property separate doesn’t require a written agreement. Think again. Because most states recognize oral contracts between unmarried couples, you may have made a legally binding agreement without fully realizing it.

To avoid the possibility of future misunderstandings about property ownership, use this form to confirm that each of you plans to keep your property and income separate.

Important to Know

• Notarization of this form will add a measure of legal credibility, but isn't legally required.
• If later you wish to buy expensive goods together, you might want to use an "Agreement for a Joint Purchase" to clarify ownership issues.
• After you have lived together for a significant amount of time, you may want to consider abandoning this agreement in favor of an "Agreement to Share Property."