Second marriages are common, and there are many other situations where siblings and friends live together. Second marriages often have conflicts between the new spouse and children from prior marriages. However, these tensions can also surface where adult children, siblings or friends share a home later in life.

The best way to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings is to make your plans regarding property division and decision making very clear. In the marriage setting, a prenuptial agreement is the traditional tool for establishing the ground rules for children and step-parents. Whenever siblings, family members or friends share ownership or occupancy of a home, a joint ownership agreement can fill the void and protect everyone involved.