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If one of you has contributed a larger amount toward the purchase of a home, for example toward the down payment, you will often need a cohabitation agreement to ensure that this contribution is not lost in a division of property. Even in cases where you own different shares of a property, or where one of you owns the entire property, you may need a cohabitation agreement to avoid having to share your portion with your partner in a division of property or with your partner’s heirs in the event of death.

It is important to have a correctly drafted cohabitation agreement, as an incorrectly formulated agreement could, in the worst-case scenario, result in the entire agreement being deemed invalid. It is also important to seek legal assistance in these matters, as there is a great deal of important information to understand regarding the rights and obligations that come with establishing a cohabitation agreement.

If you are unsure whether you need a cohabitation agreement or not, we offer a free needs assessment based on your family situation and wishes. Following the assessment, you will receive a tailored recommendation, and you can then decide for yourselves whether you would like to proceed.

An estate inventory serves as an official legal document for the deceased’s estate and is intended to show which individuals or organizations are entitled to inherit from the deceased, as well as which assets and liabilities existed in the estate on the date of death. Without an estate inventory, the inheritance cannot be distributed, and the deceased’s bank accounts and other assets cannot be closed or sold.

In certain cases, a death estate notification may be made instead of an estate inventory. A death estate notification is handled by the municipality and may be applicable if the deceased’s assets do not cover the existing debts. There are certain exceptions where a death estate notification cannot be made even if the debts exceed the assets, for example if the estate includes real property or site leasehold rights.

It is usually best to seek assistance from a lawyer when preparing an estate inventory. By working with a lawyer, you ensure that everything is handled correctly, that any will is formally communicated in the proper manner, that the correct parties are called to the estate inventory proceedings, and that the assets and liabilities are accurately recorded in the estate inventory document. An incorrectly prepared estate inventory can delay the entire process by several months and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to increased costs. Contact us and we will help you with a flexible solution tailored to your needs and wishes.