Separating from a long-term partner can be emotionally and financially challenging—especially if you’ve shared a household or supported each other financially over time.

A Maintenance Agreement for Unmarried Partners provides a clear, written record of the financial support one partner agrees to provide the other after separation. It helps avoid misunderstandings and protects both parties by setting expectations from the outset.

What is a Maintenance Agreement for Unmarried Partners?

A Maintenance Agreement is a legal contract between two individuals who were in a committed but unmarried relationship. It outlines one party’s obligation to make regular maintenance (or support) payments to the other after the relationship ends.

The agreement typically covers:

• Amount and frequency of payments
• Start and end date of the arrangement
• Payment method and penalties for late payments
• Modification or termination conditions

This type of agreement is especially helpful when partners have shared financial responsibilities or one partner was financially dependent on the other.

Why Use a Maintenance Agreement?

Although unmarried couples do not have the same legal entitlements as married spouses, a contractual agreement offers:

• Clarity about what’s owed and when
• Protection for the receiving partner
• Legal enforceability if payments are not made
• Peace of mind by reducing the risk of disputes

Having a Maintenance Agreement can also reduce stress during separation and offer a sense of financial security to the supported partner.

By using Bind you can quickly create an agreement that fits your situation. Tell Bind what type of agreement you want and it will take care of the rest, from creating the contract to signatures and storage.

When Should You Use This Agreement?

You should consider using this agreement if:

• You and your ex-partner shared a long-term relationship or lived together
• One of you was financially dependent on the other
• You’re separating amicably and wish to agree support terms privately
• You want to avoid court involvement or informal misunderstandings

Even if you’re on good terms, putting support arrangements in writing is always safer.

Maintenance Agreement for unmarried partners  – Free Template

BETWEEN:

(1) [Name], of [Address] ("Party A"); and  
(2) [Name], of [Address] ("Party B").

BACKGROUND:

A. Party A and Party B (together, the "Parties") have been in a committed relationship since [Date].  
B. The Parties have decided to separate and wish to formalise their respective rights and obligations regarding financial maintenance. 
C. For the purposes of this agreement, Party A is the paying party, and Party B is the receiving party.

1. Maintenance Payments
Party A agrees to pay maintenance to Party B in the amount of [Amount] per [week/month/year], commencing [Date] and continuing for [Number] months, ending on [Date].

2. Modification of Agreement
Either Party shall notify the other in writing if circumstances change materially (e.g. job loss, health issues). This Agreement may only be modified or terminated with written consent from both Parties.

3. Termination Events
Maintenance payments shall terminate automatically upon:  
(a) The remarriage of Party B;  
(b) The death of either Party; or  
(c) Party B becoming financially independent, with sufficient income or assets to support themselves.

4. Non-Transferability
The right to receive maintenance is personal to Party B and may not be transferred, assigned, or pledged.

5. Entire Agreement
This document represents the full understanding between the Parties regarding maintenance and overrides any previous oral or written agreements.

6. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Country]. Any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the courts of [City, Country].

Signature
This Agreement has been signed digitally.

Create a Maintenance Agreement for Unmarried Partners in minutes with Bind

Bind helps you create personalised, legally sound documents in just a few steps. Whether you’re separating on good terms or want a clear financial arrangement for peace of mind, Bind makes it simple to draft, sign, and manage a Maintenance Agreement that suits both parties.