---
title: "Do We Need a Cohabitation Agreement If We Have a Child in Quebec? ✦ Goldwater Droit"
canonical_url: "https://goldwaterdroit.com/en/faqs/do-we-still-need-a-cohabitation-agreement-if-we-have-a-child-quebec"
last_updated: "2026-09-15T20:57:53.681Z"
locale: en
meta:
  description: "In Quebec, the parental union gives parents some automatic protection, but a cohabitation agreement still helps cover what the regime leaves open."
  "og:description": "In Quebec, the parental union gives parents some automatic protection, but a cohabitation agreement still helps cover what the regime leaves open."
  "og:title": "Do We Need a Cohabitation Agreement If We Have a Child in Quebec?"
---

# Do we still need a cohabitation agreement if we have a child in Quebec?

Often, yes. Since June 30, 2025, the parental union regime provides common-law parents with certain automatic protections—such as a parental union patrimony and family-residence protections under articles 521.20 and following of the Civil Code of Québec. But the regime is narrower than the rules that apply to married and civil-union spouses, and it does not cover everything a couple may want to arrange between themselves, such as how specific assets or debts are handled or support between the partners. A cohabitation agreement can complement the regime, clarify matters it leaves open, and reduce uncertainty if the relationship ends. And for couples without a common child—who are not covered by the parental union regime at all—a cohabitation agreement remains essential to create any protection.

Civil Code of Québec, arts. 521.20–521.42 (parental union) Civil Code of Québec, arts. 1377 et seq. (contracts)