Separation and Cohabitation Agreement Drafting

What is a Separation Agreement?

A separation agreement is a written contract between two people who have decided to live apart. It spells out important details like:

• How property and debts will be divided
• Who will pay child support or spousal support
• Parenting arrangements (custody and access)
• Other important responsibilities

Having a well-drafted separation agreement helps avoid arguments later on. It gives both parties a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.

It also helps avoid the need for costly court battles, giving families more privacy and peace of mind.

At Mather and Company, we work with you to draft a separation agreement that covers everything you need — no guessing, no confusion.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between two people who are living together or planning to live together but are not married. It sets out what will happen if the relationship ends in the future.

Cohabitation agreements often include:

• How property will be divided if the relationship ends
• Whether spousal support will be paid
• Responsibilities for debts
• How shared expenses are handled

While it might feel awkward to talk about, a cohabitation agreement actually helps protect both partners. It’s about planning ahead and making sure that everyone is treated fairly, no matter what happens.

If you live with your partner in Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, or anywhere in the Comox Valley or across BC, it’s smart to have a cohabitation agreement in place.

Why Separation and Cohabitation Agreements Matter

Without a written agreement, you could end up in expensive, stressful court battles later on. Separation and cohabitation agreements help by:

• Setting clear expectations: You know exactly what to expect financially and legally.
• Avoiding conflict: Agreements reduce the chances of ugly arguments down the road.
• Saving money: Legal fights can cost thousands. Agreements help avoid those costs.
• Protecting your children: Parenting arrangements are clearly outlined to avoid disputes.
• Providing peace of mind: You can move forward in life with less stress and uncertainty.

A strong agreement isn’t just about legal protection — it’s about emotional protection, too. When expectations are clear, there’s less tension and anxiety for everyone involved, especially for children.

Families in the Comox Valley region trust Mather and Company to guide them through these important steps with care and professionalism.

How Mather and Company Can Help

At Mather and Company, we take the time to understand your unique situation. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” legal agreements. Every relationship is different — and so is every agreement we draft.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

Personalized Legal Advice

We listen carefully to your needs and explain your options clearly. You’ll understand exactly what your agreement means and how it protects you.

Skilled Drafting

We create clear, detailed agreements that stand up legally. No confusing legal jargon — just strong documents that you can rely on.

Negotiation Support

If needed, we can negotiate terms with the other party’s lawyer to make sure your interests are fully protected.

Drafting Agreements as a Neutral Third Party

Mather & Company can also draft Agreements as a neutral third party. If clients have the deal all worked out and want to minimize legal bills, Mather & Company can draft the agreement and parties can get independent legal advice on the draft, which prevents lawyers from entering into protracted negotiations. Once a client has the advice, they can decide whether or not to negotiate on their own behalf or retain a lawyer to act.

Focused on the Future

We help you think ahead. Our goal is to create agreements that work not just today, but years from now as life changes.

Local Knowledge

We serve families in Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, the Comox Valley and all across BC. We understand the local legal environment and the unique needs of our community.

Whether you are dealing with separation, starting a new relationship, or planning for the future, Mather and Company is here to help you every step of the way.

Common Topics Covered in Separation and Cohabitation Agreements

Your agreement can be customized to cover all the issues that matter to you. Common topics include:

• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and parenting schedules
• Child support payments
• Spousal support (how much and for how long)
• Responsibility for ongoing expenses (like housing costs or medical bills)
• How pensions and retirement savings are handled
• What happens to shared pets
• How future disputes will be resolved
• Whether or not the increase in value of separate property is shared (in Cohabitation or Marriage Agreements)

At Mather and Company, we work closely with you to make sure nothing important gets overlooked.

Common Mistakes People Make Without Legal Agreements

Without a formal agreement in place, people often run into problems like:

• Disagreements about who owns what
• Arguments over debts and financial responsibilities
• Confusion about parenting time and responsibilities
• Unexpected demands for support payments
• Increased legal costs later due to disputes

A handshake or casual conversation isn’t enough. If something isn’t written down properly, you could be vulnerable. That’s why working with an experienced family law lawyer is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Can Agreements Be Updated Later?

Yes! Life changes — and sometimes agreements need to change, too.

At Mather and Company, we can help review and update your separation or cohabitation agreement if:

• Your financial situation changes
• You move to a new home or city
• You or your partner have more children
• One of you wants to modify parenting arrangements
• Support needs change

Updating agreements ensures they stay relevant and fair over time. If you have an older agreement and aren’t sure if it still fits your life, we’re happy to review it with you.

Do I Need a Family Lawyer for an Agreement?

Absolutely. Even if you and your partner are on good terms now, having a properly drafted legal agreement by a family lawyer is essential.

Here’s why you need a lawyer:

• Ensure enforceability: Agreements must meet certain legal standards to be valid in court.
• Protect your interests: You deserve to know all your rights — and your obligations.
• Avoid loopholes: Poorly written agreements can leave you exposed later.
• Meet BC legal requirements: British Columbia has specific rules for separation and cohabitation agreements.

At Mather and Company, we work hard to make sure your agreement is rock-solid, easy to understand, and built to last.

We also work with clients who qualify for family law legal aid, making professional legal services more accessible for everyone.

Why Families Choose Mather and Company

Here’s why families in British Columbia trust us:

• Experienced family law lawyers with a focus on separation and cohabitation matters
• Personalized service designed around your needs
• Clear, straightforward advice in language you can understand
• Responsive communication when you need it most
• Commitment to affordability and accessibility through flexible services and legal aid options

Choosing Mather and Company means you get a team that truly cares about helping you build a stronger, more secure future.

Start Protecting Your Future Today

Whether you’re entering a new chapter of your life or closing one, having the right legal agreement in place is a smart, empowering choice.

If you need a trusted family lawyer to help you draft a separation or cohabitation agreement, Mather and Company is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let’s create an agreement that gives you peace of mind and sets you up for success.