New rules for cohabitation in 2025

No official document has yet been released on the new regulations on cohabitation in 2025, and the relevant legal provisions are still based on the marriage and family section of the current Civil Code. In Chinese law, cohabitation is a non-marital cohabitation, and its rights and obligations are significantly different from those of a marriage. Special attention needs to be paid to issues such as property division and child support.

Current laws regulate cohabitation relationships mainly in three aspects. In terms of property, in principle, the property acquired during the period of cohabitation shall be treated as owned by each other, except where joint investment or joint labor can be proved. In terms of debts, debts borne in the name of an individual are borne by the individual, and debts required for joint living may be deemed joint and several liability. In terms of child support, children born out of wedlock have the same rights as children born in wedlock, and both parents must fulfill their child support obligations. If new regulations are introduced in 2025, they may be refined in these aspects, such as clarifying the registration system for cohabitation property and improving the standards for identifying joint debts.

Some places have piloted a cohabitation relationship registration system, but this registration does not have the effect of marriage registration. New regulations in the future may strengthen the protection of vulnerable parties in cohabitation relationships, such as stipulating financial compensation mechanisms for breakups and special protection provisions for domestic violence. For people who plan to live together, it is recommended to notarize property agreements in advance, keep important financial transaction documents, and negotiate a child support plan before giving birth. These measures can effectively protect their rights and interests under any legal framework.

During the period of cohabitation, you should keep rent payment records, joint consumption vouchers and other evidence. It is recommended to sign a written agreement for large property purchases. If the property rights of the house are involved, the shares can be clarified through shared ownership. Daily attention should be paid to hygiene and health protection, and regular screening for infectious diseases should be carried out. Women should especially pay attention to scientific contraception and gynecological examinations. When disputes arise, priority should be given to resolving them through mediation. If necessary, legal aid can be sought to avoid using excessive means to escalate conflicts.