Making a written agreement clarifying the property owned by each partner and details of who is to keep which items, or how items will be divided, if the relationship ends is a prudent step. Disputes can often be prevented by being clear in advance.

Future disputes can be minimised by not putting property into joint names unless each person contributes equally, and by keeping a record of who pays for items purchased, as well as keeping receipts. Also, avoid making statements that property is 'ours' or 'shared' unless that is your real intention.

It is best to make an agreement before living together, but it is better late than never.