If you move in with someone to live with and you start to purchase things together, when you write out a check or pay cash for any goods and services during your cohabitation venture, always make sure you note on the check or invoice what the payment is going toward. For example, this payment pays for one half ownership of a bedroom set.
Then if you dissolve the relationship you have documented one half ownership of everything you purchased together which will stand up in court. Otherwise all you have is your word against their word which is not legally binding in a court of law in most cohabitation court claims cases.
SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE: CNBC-TV STEALS AND DEALS 9/24/96