Clarity and Closure for
Co-parents and Partners
Without the Courtroom Stress

Unmarried Couple Custody & Property Agreements

An unmarried couple is playing with a soccer ball in a field.
An unmarried couple is sitting on a wall with their legs crossed.

Support for Unmarried Couples: Parenting, Property & Peace of Mind

When a relationship ends, but marriage was never part of the picture, it can be difficult to know where to turn. We help unmarried couples across Williamsville, Amherst, and Buffalo resolve child custody, parenting time, property division, and shared financial matters with calm, respectful legal guidance.

What Are Unmarried Couple Custody & Property Agreements?

Unmarried couple custody and property agreements are legal documents that help non-married partners resolve important matters when their relationship ends—without the protections that come with legal marriage.


These agreements are especially important for couples who:

  • Have children together and need a parenting plan or custody agreement
  • Share property, assets, or debt such as a home, car, or joint accounts
  • Want to define child support, decision-making responsibilities, or living arrangements
  • Need to create a clear, written record of how things will be handled after separation


In New York, non-married partners don’t have automatic rights to each other’s property or parental authority without formal legal agreements. These documents give both parties clarity, legal standing, and peace of mind—while minimizing the risk of conflict later on.

How the Process Works

  • Start with a Conversation
  • We begin with a free consultation to understand your relationship history, what’s shared, and what decisions need to be made. This includes parenting concerns, housing, finances, and other joint responsibilities.
  • Mediation or Legal Guidance
  • If both parties are willing, mediation offers a calm, structured process for reaching agreements. If one party is uncooperative or complex issues arise, we provide legal support and strategy tailored to your situation.
  • Drafting & Finalizing Agreements
  • We prepare clear legal documents that address parenting time, custody, property division, or financial support. These agreements can be filed with the court to be enforceable and protect both parties long-term.

Benefits of Unmarried Couple Custody & Property Agreements

Creating a clear agreement after the end of a non-marital relationship offers lasting peace of mind—for both partners and any children involved. These agreements help protect parental rights by clearly outlining custody, parenting time, and decision-making responsibilities. They reduce the risk of future disputes by setting clear expectations around shared property, finances, and child support. When marriage laws don’t apply, these agreements ensure fairness in dividing assets and debts. They also support ongoing co-parenting by providing a structured plan that prioritizes the child’s well-being. Perhaps most importantly, they help minimize legal costs and emotional strain by avoiding litigation and encouraging mutual agreement. In short, these agreements offer clarity, control, and stability when it’s needed most.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can unmarried parents create custody agreements in New York?

    Yes. Parenting plans and custody agreements are available to all parents, regardless of marital status. These agreements can be formalized and approved by the court.

  • What if we bought a house together but never married?

    We help you assess ownership and create a fair, legal agreement for dividing property or handling shared real estate.

  • Are cohabitation agreements legally enforceable?

    Yes. A properly written and signed cohabitation agreement is legally binding in New York and can protect each partner’s financial and personal rights.

  • Is child support required between unmarried parents?

    Yes. New York State applies child support guidelines to all parents, married or not.