What is likely the outcome if no formal agreement regarding property exists between cohabitants?

If no formal agreement regarding property exists between cohabitants, claims may still be made based on contributed efforts. This outcome acknowledges the reality of many non-marital relationships where partners may contribute to the acquisition or maintenance of property without a legal document to govern those contributions.

In many jurisdictions, the absence of an agreement does not equate to a total lack of rights. Courts often look at the contributions each party made during the relationship—whether financial, labor-related, or through other means. This creates the possibility for claims based on equitable principles, such as unjust enrichment or implied contracts, arising from the contributions made by one partner that benefit the other.

Additionally, it's essential to recognize that property disputes among cohabitants can become complex due to varying statutes and common law interpretations depending on the jurisdiction. The focus on contributed efforts underscores the principle of fairness, as the law may try to prevent one party from being unjustly enriched at the expense of the other. In this scenario, contributions can be counted in the determination of property rights, even in the absence of a formal property agreement.