Legal Definitions - cohabitation

Cohabitation refers to the living arrangement between two individuals who reside together, either as married partners or unmarried couples. The term is commonly used in a legal context to describe various situations.

1. Marital Cohabitation: In legal cases such as those in California, cohabitation is used to describe the assumption of marital rights, duties, and obligations by two individuals who live together. This includes sexual relations and other aspects of married life.
2. Termination of Alimony: In cases from Pennsylvania, cohabitation is used to determine whether an individual is still eligible for alimony payments. To be considered cohabiting, the two individuals must demonstrate financial, social, and sexual interdependence by living in the same residence or through other means. Infrequent sexual association does not constitute cohabitation.
3. Cohabitation Agreement: This is a legal contract that outlines the financial and property arrangements between two individuals who live together. It is often used by unmarried couples to establish their rights and obligations in the absence of marriage.

These examples illustrate how cohabitation is used in different legal contexts to describe the living arrangements and relationships between two individuals. Whether it is used to determine eligibility for alimony payments or to establish property rights, cohabitation is an important legal concept that affects many people's lives.