Cohabitation Agreement ILA
Get an expert cohabitation agreement review before you sign
A cohabitation agreement shapes your financial future and determines what happens if the relationship ends. Our family lawyers provide independent legal advice so you understand your rights and obligations before you sign.
What We Review
Property Division
How will assets, debts, and real estate be divided if you separate?
Spousal Support
What support will be paid, limited, or waived?
Disclosure
Has each party fully disclosed their assets, debts, and income?
Excluded Property
What stays yours — and is it properly protected?
Enforceability
Will a court uphold this agreement if it's challenged?
Changes Over Time
What happens when circumstances shift — children, a home, new assets?
What We Explain
Financial Implications
- How property will be divided
- Spousal support obligations and duration
- Pension and benefit entitlements
- Excluded property protection
Disclosure & Excluded Property
- Whether financial disclosure is complete
- How excluded property is identified
- Treatment of pre-relationship assets
- Treatment of gifts and inheritances
Legal Consequences
- Enforceability of agreement terms
- What happens if circumstances change
- Court filing requirements and procedures
- Rights you may be giving up
Why ILA Matters For Cohabitation Agreements
Courts Require Independent Legal Advice For Cohabitation Agreements To Ensure:
- Both parties understand the consequences
- No one is being pressured or coerced
- The agreement reflects informed consent
- Each person knows their legal alternatives
Our Approach
Compassionate guidance that respects your situation
Clear explanations without legal jargon
Practical advice about your options and alternatives
Neutral perspective focused on protecting your interests
Common Questions We Answer
How much does a cohabitation agreement review cost?
Our fixed fee for a standard cohabitation agreement review is $1,100 plus tax. Complex agreements — such as those involving significant assets or business interests — are billed at $500/hour. We will ask you before billing.
How long does a cohabitation agreement review take?
Most reviews are completed within 6-48 hours. If you’re on a deadline, rush service is available — we can complete your review within 24 hours for an additional $500.
Why do I need independent legal advice for a cohabitation agreement?
Your partner’s lawyer acts for them — not for you. Independent legal advice ensures you understand your own rights, risks, and obligations before you commit. Cohabitation agreements in British Columbia are governed by the Family Law Act.
What should I look out for in a cohabitation agreement?
Pay close attention to how property and debt are divided, whether spousal support is limited or waived, and how excluded property — pre-relationship assets, gifts, and inheritances — is protected. We’ll flag anything unusual and explain the trade-offs. Reviewing a separation, marriage, or parenting agreement instead? See our family agreement review service.
Do both partners need their own lawyer?
Each partner needs their own independent lawyer — one lawyer cannot advise both sides of the same agreement. We act for you alone; your partner arranges their own independent legal advice.
Do I pay before or after the service?
Our retainer is payable prior to meeting with the lawyer.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. There are no hidden fees. We charge the base independent legal advice fee, plus tax.
Process & Timing
Initial Consultation
Discuss your situation and review documents
Financial Review
asset valuations
Legal Analysis
and enforceability
Advice Meeting
recommendations
Written Certification
independent legal advice
Book your Consultation
Fill out the form on our website to start the booking process.
Meet a lawyer
A lawyer will review the information you submit and prepare for the meeting.
Written Advice
Detailed letter explaining our recommendations and certificate of independent legal advice
Typical timeline:
2–5 business days depending on complexity
Pricing
Service
Price
Standard Cohabitation Agreement Review
$1,100 plus tax
(high assets, business interests)
$500/hour
(We will ask you before billing)
(within 24 hours)
Additional $500
Why Choose Independent Legal Co.?
Focus
We focus exclusively on independent legal advice – it's all we do.
Fast & Efficient
Most consultations completed within 6-48 hours. Rush service available for urgent matters.
Virtual-First
Meet from anywhere via secure video call. Upload documents safely through our encrypted portal.
Transparent Pricing
Fixed fees with no surprises. Know exactly what you'll pay before you start.
Truly Independent
We work for you alone. No conflicts of interest, no divided loyalties.
What Our Clients Say
