---
title: "What Is a Cohabitation Agreement in Quebec? ✦ Goldwater Droit"
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  description: "In Quebec, a cohabitation agreement is a contract letting common-law partners set property, expense, home, and support rules—protections the law otherwise omits."
  "og:description": "In Quebec, a cohabitation agreement is a contract letting common-law partners set property, expense, home, and support rules—protections the law otherwise omits."
  "og:title": "What Is a Cohabitation Agreement in Quebec?"
---

# What is a cohabitation agreement in Quebec and what can it cover?

A cohabitation agreement (convention de vie commune) is a private contract in which common-law partners set their own rules for the relationship and for what happens if it ends. Because Quebec law gives de facto partners almost no default rights—there is no family patrimony and no automatic spousal support between them—this agreement is the main way to create protection. It can address how property is owned and divided, how everyday and major expenses are shared, what happens to a jointly or singly owned home, and any support arrangements the partners want between themselves. It is governed by the ordinary law of contracts, so it is binding between the partners if properly made. It cannot, however, bind a court on matters concerning the children, which are always decided on the child's best interests.

Civil Code of Québec, arts. 1377 et seq. (general law of contracts) Civil Code of Québec, arts. 391 et seq. (de facto spouses have no default regime)