A Cohabitation Agreement That Protects Your Future and Strengthens Your Relationship
Moving in together is a meaningful step-and having legal clarity can protect both partners if life changes unexpectedly. We help you create compassionate, fair, and forward-thinking cohabitation agreements that safeguard your financial stability, outline expectations, and reduce the risk of future conflict. Clarity today builds security tomorrow.
WHAT WE DO
Supportive Legal Planning That Respects Both Partners Equally.
A cohabitation agreement isn’t about mistrust-it’s about protection, fairness, and preventing future misunderstandings. We guide couples through the process with sensitivity and clarity, ensuring both parties’ voices are heard. Our goal is to help you make informed, mutually respectful decisions that protect your home, your finances, and your long-term peace of mind.
WAYS WE SUPPORT YOU
Compassionate, Clear Guidance for Every Part of Your Agreement
Why Choose Us
Guidance That Blends Legal Precision With Compassion and Respect
At Smithen Family Law, we approach cohabitation agreements with sensitivity, fairness, and clarity. We understand that legal planning can feel uncomfortable, especially when emotions and long-term hopes are involved.
Our process ensures both partners feel supported and empowered, not pressured or judged. We provide strategic, balanced guidance that protects your rights, strengthens communication, and reduces the chance of future conflict. Our priority is helping you build a secure foundation for your life together-one grounded in mutual respect and long-term stability.
Stories of Strength
What Our Clients Say
The most meaningful measure of our work is the lives rebuilt along the way. These stories reflect courage, trust, and the quiet victories that matter most when navigating family law and personal transformation.
She Worked Hard and Stayed With Me Through Everything
K. Smithen was attentive, professional, and dedicated throughout my case. She listened, answered all my questions, and fought for the best interests of me and my child. Her compassion and hard work made a difficult process easier. I strongly recommend her.
M.O.
Her Guidance Helped Me Feel Protected and Supported
Ms Smithen is professional and cares for her clients. I was able to focus in my situation and rely all the legal stuff to her. Due to her knowledge, I was able to secure a home for my kids. She offers good advice and makes sure the job gets done. Her rates are fair and the quality of her job is excellent. She is prompt to respond even on weekends or evenings. During the worst time of my life I felt protected and care for. Without her I would have been a mess. She is strong communicator and when in court she has a great presence and makes you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. When sick you call a doctor. With a divorce you want her representing you.
L.K.
Her Team Supported Me Through Every Step With Grace.
Kathryn listened carefully to my situation and made me feel safe and supported. She and her team worked diligently, guided me with grace, and helped me stay focused during a difficult time. Her professionalism, strength, and compassion made a tremendous difference. I strongly recommend her.
WY Chan
Dedicated, Empathetic, and Truly Exceptional Representation.
Kathryn is dedicated, understanding, empathetic, and incredibly sharp. She represented me in family court with outstanding attention to detail. I felt heard, validated, and fully supported throughout the process. I am forever grateful for her hard work and commitment to my case.
MCF
Her Compassion and Integrity Helped Us Stand Again.
My divorce was extremely difficult, but Kathryn helped us land on our feet. She handled my case with exceptional compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail, protecting me and my children at every step. I am deeply grateful for her integrity and dedication. She is truly the right lawyer in hard times.
Asta Velyviene
She Helped Me Protect My Son and My Future.
Kathryn guided me through my divorce and child custody case with compassion and constant support. She kept me informed, answered every question, and helped me secure a fair agreement that protected my son’s special needs. Her judgment, creativity, and dedication made a difficult process manageable.
Paula Goncalves
Where Strength Meets Compassion
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone.
Whether you need immediate guidance or space to understand your options, we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion. Reach out, and let’s take the first step toward safety and resolution, together.
Support and Clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Family law can feel overwhelming. This section answers the questions we hear most, offering clarity and support as you make decisions that impact your future and your family.
Can the agreement be updated later?
Yes. If your circumstances change – children, major purchases, financial shifts – your agreement can be revised to reflect your new reality and to keep protections fair and relevant.
Do common-law couples have the same rights as married couples?
No. In Ontario, common-law partners do not automatically share property rights like married spouses do. A cohabitation agreement allows you to define your rights clearly and avoid complex legal claims later.
Is creating a cohabitation agreement a sign of distrust?
Not at all. It’s a mutual act of protection – much like insurance or estate planning. It reduces future conflict and provides stability if life changes unexpectedly.
What can a cohabitation agreement include?
Your agreement can outline how property, savings, debt, and support will be handled if the relationship ends. It can also address unique circumstances or goals that matter to both partners.
What happens if we separate without an agreement?
Without an agreement, common-law property disputes often rely on complicated trust and unjust enrichment claims, which can be expensive, lengthy, and unpredictable. An agreement prevents that uncertainty.
Your Next Step Starts Here
You Don’t Have to
Face This Alone
Whether you need immediate guidance or space to understand your options, we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion. Reach out, and let’s take the first step toward safety and resolution, together.
