Pre-prenups also known as cohabition agreements or cohabs are the latest thing.  It’s a dating prenup which has contractual guidelines for relationships and relation-splits.  People want to protect themselves, their property and their pets in case of a  break-up.  They are particularly common in New York where common-law marriages aren’t recognized and unmarried couples are considered legal strangers—unless they have protected themselves with a cohab.

I would strongly suggest that you use an attorney to draw one up for you, especially if you have valuable possessions.  Some of the things to include in your cohab are:  shared property, partner support, pre-relationship or future debts, joint purchases, educational expenses, pets, life insurance, health proxies and joint banking accounts.

You should revisit your cohab whenever a significant life event or change in circumstances occurs in your relationship.

Women are more likely to view cohabitation as a step toward marriage, while men are more likely to see it as a way to test a relationship or postpone commitment. The standards for a live-in partner can sometimes be lower than they would be for a spouse.