This paper distinguishes between pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements and offers the reader a primer on what you can and cannot achieve in these types of agreements. The author discusses the options available for addressing property division and spousal support, and clarifies the limitations of these agreements to address child issues such as support and custody and access. In particular, the author offers some practical considerations related to independent legal advice and disclosure requirements.

This paper was drawn from materials presented at the Cohabitation and Pre-Nuptial Agreements program held in May 2012.