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     Larkspur Office100 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 110 Larkspur, CA 94939 (415) 461-4300 Lafayette Office950 Risa Road, 2nd FloorLafayette, CA 94549 (925) 283-4203 Fax: 415 257 8908 Email: michaeljcogen@gmail.com |
Premarital Planning Agreements and Cotenancy AgreementsAnticipating living together, whether as spouses or partners, is one of the most joyous moments in life. Being able to share your days, to wake up next to someone who makes the world more complete, and to find romance in the most common happenings is a rare experience. Faced with the myriad chores of moving in together, often compounded by the complex details of planning an upcoming wedding, who would think and actually take the time to formalize the relationship with a prenuptial agreement?; What could be more abrasive than meeting with attorneys who may "trample on" the relationship while attempting to protect their clients?; Even the suggestion of such an agreement may be met with suspicion and engender doubts about the parties' intended motives or their commitment to the relationship. My approach to counseling clients, therefore, especially in discussing this potentially sensitive issue, is to facilitate their understanding of their needs in the relationship—and to assist them to anticipate, clarify, and explore the obstacles that may arise, whether they be legal, financial, or emotional.; Drawing from my background in law and psychology, I facilitate their greater mutual understanding through methods used successfully in mediation.; In addition, I encourage couples to discuss their objectives and anxieties in a safe environment and assist them to develop agreements based upon true understanding of each other. I help engaged partners establish what are called Premarital Planning Agreements.; I help those who would like to live together and perhaps purchase a home or business but are not contemplating marriage develop Cotenancy Agreements. I explain to couples that this is the first agreement they’ll complete toward their mutual estate plans.; If they’re young, such an agreement may not be of immediate concern.; However, as they become older, and particularly if they have previously been... |
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