In Virginia, a cohabitation agreement is a legal instrument made by two individuals who live together but are not married; these individuals are commonly known as domestic partners. Such an agreement serves to lay out precise guidelines and expectations for the couple's personal, financial, and property arrangements. Like in many other states, Virginia does not have a law requiring cohabitation agreements, but they can be highly helpful in defining the conditions of the partnership and safeguarding each partner's rights. In Virginia, unmarried couples who want to safeguard their financial interests, define roles, and prevent misunderstandings may find that a cohabitation agreement is a useful tool.