Relationship Contract Template : What You Need To Know

Pooja Batra

Last Updated:

23 Jan 2024

Published On:

18 Jan 2024

min read

A Relationship Contract is a written contract between a couple to define the ground rules of their relationship. It is also referred to as cohabitation agreement.

It is important to note that a relationship contract is a voluntary agreement entered into by both parties with full understanding and consent. It serves as a tool for open communication and mutual understanding. Also, encourages healthy and consensual relationships

There are various types of relationship contracts such as agreement for Polyamorous or Open Relationship, Consensual Sugar Daddy Arrangement, workplace romance, long term relationship, short term relationship, sex , one off intimate relationship, sexual relationship etc.

Relationship Contracts:

Establishing the Foundation: Clear Expectations, Communication, and Commitment

Relationship contracts benefit couples to define the ground rules, exclusivity, communication rules, responsibilities, importance of career, finances, expenses, health and safety. It enables the couple to set expectations for their relationship.

While relationship contracts can be beneficial, it's important to note that they may not always have legal standing in all jurisdictions.

DocPro offers a relationship contract template which you can customize based on your unique circumstances.

What is included in a relationship contract?

Ground Rules

The main purpose of the polyamorous relationship is for both parties to satisfy their intimate needs. As such, other emotions such as love, jealousy, infatuation and other similar feelings are excluded.

Ground rules define the purpose of the parties to enter into a relationship contract and lay down ground rules such as clear communication, freedom in relationship, commitment to honesty.

Exclusivity

This relationship is Exclusive / Non-Exclusive / Non-Exclusive with Notice / Consensual.

This section outlines if the relationship between the couple will be:

(a) Non-exclusive

Each party is free to have intimate relationships with third party without notifying the other.

(b) Non-exclusive with notice

However, each party agrees to notify the other party before engaging in intimate relationships with a third party.

Each party agrees to notify and terminate this relationship before embarking on intimate relationships with a third party.

(d) Consensual

Each party agrees to seek the consent of the other party before embarking on intimate relationships with a third party.

Communication

We agree to have fruitful conversations with one another to resolve unnecessary misunderstandings and insecurities. We will never threaten our relationship in our communication - e.g. threaten to break up a relationship during a fight.

The Communication section establishes guidelines for effective and respectful communication within the relationship.

Finances

We will keep our income and finances separate. We will not control each other with money.

It outlines whether the income and expenses will be separate or both parties will contribute to a joint account.

Health and Safety

On the date of the execution of this consent and the date of any meetings, each of the Parties represents to the other that he/she:

(a) does not carry any sexually transmitted disease;

(b) is not currently pregnant; and

(c) has no other disease which may be transmitted through the proposed meetings.

Each party affirms their current health status by declaring that they are free from sexually transmitted diseases, not currently pregnant, and do not have any other transmissible diseases relevant to the proposed meeting.

Protection

Party A will use [PROTECTION TYPE] [between themselves and/or with a third party.]

This outlines the agreement between the parties regarding use / no use of protection.

Division of Responsibilities

We are to be equally responsible for the relationship. We are equal, not more nor less. We will not compete and play "I win, you lose" games. Instead, we will work towards "win-win" situations.

We agree to invest in our own individual self-care, in order to be able to bring our best selves to our relationship.

The parties and agree and allocate responsibilities in the relationship to set expectations and avoid conflict.

When are Relationship Contracts Used?

Relationship Contracts can be used while you’re in a relationship or you are contemplating to start a relationship. The relationship could be:

Open Relationship
Workplace Romance
Short term relationship
Long term relationships
One-off intimate relationship

Relationship agreements are often used by couples to resolve conflicts. It allows them to allocate responsibilities, set expectations and re-build the trust in their relationship.

Types of Relationship Contracts:

1. Polyamorous / Open Relationship Contract

Polyamory is a practice or philosophy where someone has, or is open to having, multiple loving partners simultaneously with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

The purpose of a polyamorous agreement is to define boundaries, communicate needs, and ensure the well-being of all parties.

Read more and download Polyamorous / Open Relationship Contract

2. Sugar Daddy Agreement

The main purpose of the sugar daddy / baby / seeking arrangement relationship is for both parties to satisfy their intimate needs and for Sugar Daddy to provide financial support to Sugar Baby - as such, emotions such as love, jealousy, infatuation, and similar feelings are excluded.

Read more and download Sugar Daddy Agreement template

4. Workplace Romance Agreement

The main purpose is that the parties wish to enter into a voluntary and mutual consensual personal relationship and they acknowledge that the personal relationship between them does not violate the Company’s Employment Policy and they agree to adhere to all of its terms.

Read more and download Workplace Romance Agreement template

5. Serious / Long Term Relationship Agreement

This template sets the ground rules for a serious / long term relationship (eg de facto relationship, engaged couples, boyfriend-girlfriend relationships, cute relationships).

Read more and download Serious / Long Term Relationship Agreement template

6. One-off intimate / Sexual Relationship

The main purpose of the short term relationship is for both parties to satisfy their intimate needs. As such, other emotions such as love, jealousy, infatuation and other similar feelings are excluded

Read more and download One-off intimate / Sexual Relationship Agreement template

Are Relationship Contracts Legally Binding? Can relationship contracts be used as evidence in the court?

Relationship contracts may be regarded as unenforceable/immoral and even illegal in certain jurisdictions.

Nevertheless, this may still be used as evidence of the willingness of the parties to be in a polyamorous relationship and/or to engage in intimate activities.

Benefits of Having a Relationship Contract

Relationship contracts can help couples to:

Set Expectations for their Relationship

A written contract serves a record of the agreement reached between the parties. In case of relationships, it sets the tone of the relationship, provides clarity about the priorities and expectations of the parties from the relationship

Encourage Honest Communication

It encourages parties to have honest communication about crucial aspects of their relationships, and enables them to foster strong relationships

Conflict Resolution and Prevention

The contract can include mechanisms for addressing conflicts, ensuring that disagreements are approached constructively. By setting guidelines on how to handle disagreements, the contract helps prevent small issues from escalating into larger problems and promotes a healthier resolution process.

Customization for Unique Relationships

DocPro’s Relationship contracts are highly customizable, allowing couples to tailor the agreement to their unique needs and circumstances.

You can customize the Relationship Contract template to address specific aspects of your relationship, ensuring the contract is a true reflection of your partnership.

What are the consequences of breaking a relationship contract?

Relationship contract allows the couple to communicate openly about expectations. However, these expectations may change over time. It is important to have a flexible approach and view your relationship contract goals as general guidelines. This allows you and your parties to re-consider these guidelines if you find your relationship dynamics are evolving over time and you or your partner is deviating from the terms agreed upon in the contract

It is important to initiate the discussion about relationship contracts with your partner. Sharing this article to illustrate the benefits for both parties, fostering trust and building a stronger relationship.

Is Relationship Contract the same as Prenuptial Contracts?

Relationship contracts are not legally binding on the parties. It sets ground rules of the relationships such as finance, health, safety, division of responsibility.

Prenuptial contract are legally binding and set out the wishes and intentions of the parties regarding their finances and property in order to avoid acrimonious and costly litigation in the event of the breakdown of the marriage.

Relationship Contract is not legally binding and covers a broader range of relationship dynamics, not just financial matters.

Pooja Batra

Pooja has more than 8 years of in-house legal experience in large MNC’s. She has advised on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters including drafting, reviewing and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts and other agreements across various business lines. If you would like to become a contributor to DocPro, please click the link below:

https://docpro.com/contact-us

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