cohabiting

Cohabiting, or cohabitation, is a living arrangement in which two or more people share a home and a domestic life without being legally married or in a formal civil union. While often used to describe romantic couples, it can also refer to roommates who maintain a long‑term, shared household. The term emphasizes everyday life rather than legal status.

Legal recognition of cohabitation varies by jurisdiction. In many places, living together does not automatically grant spousal rights to property, inheritance, decision-making, or health care. Some jurisdictions recognize forms of legal partnership—such as common-law marriage, domestic partnerships, or civil unions—after meeting certain criteria, while others require explicit agreements to secure rights and responsibilities.

Practically, cohabiting couples may combine incomes, share housing costs, and jointly own or lease property. They may also face issues related to taxes, debt, and tenancy. When children are involved, parental rights and duties can depend on local law; non-married parents may need agreements for guardianship, custody, and child support.

Demographically, cohabitation has become more common in many countries and spans diverse ages, incomes, and cultures. It can precede marriage, substitute for it, or coexist with lifelong non‑marital partnerships. The stability and outcomes of cohabiting relationships often depend on context, commitment, and access to social and legal protections.