In co-ownership, documentation is the process of getting things in writing and keeping up-to-date records.

It touches on all aspects of co-buying and co-ownership.

To most folks, this sounds boring. But solid documentation underpins successful co-ownership.

Proper documentation isn't just paperwork; it's your safety net in co-ownership. It serves as the written record of all agreements, transactions, and relevant communications between co-owners. Think of it as the "memory" of your co-ownership journey, capturing everything from financial transactions to maintenance records.

Here are just a few of the times when documentation matters:

• Squaring up expenses
• Disputing charges
• Filing taxes
• Refinancing your mortgage
• Applying for credit, individually or collectively
• Opening joint financial accounts
• Purchasing insurance
• Making an insurance claim
• Repairing or servicing home systems or the property itself
• Initiating or facing legal action
• IRS interactions, including an audit
• Death of a co-owner
• Identify theft
• Ownership sale or transfer

All one-off and recurring files, records, and receipts should be documented securely and somewhere that is easily accessible to all co-owners. The best way to accomplish this is to develop a system for documentation.

💡 Pro tip

A shared digital document vault can be a lifesaver. It ensures transparency and may prove invaluable to decision-making and dispute resolution.

The cornerstone of documentation is your Co-ownership Agreement. This document is not just another item on your checklist; it's the blueprint for your co-ownership.