Domestic Contracts
Domestic Contracts include cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, and separation agreements. Typically they are written agreements between a couple which define how property and assets will be dealt with if there is a separation, whether support will be owing from one to the other. The agreements can cover all or some of the issues related to property and assets, support and children.
Domestic agreements must be in writing, signed by the parties in the presence of witnesses. Each party must receive advice from their own lawyer, or they must waive the right to have the agreement reviewed by an independent lawyer.
Domestic Contracts are an important way for parties to avoid the court procedures, and to define their rights and obligations in a way that best suits their circumstances.
There are a number of stages in a relationship when domestic contacts can be utilized.