Cohabitation Agreements

If you live together, the legal position is very different than if you had married. The common-law marriage is a myth. Your rights are limited.

Understanding your property rights

A couple who live together may have a jointly owned property or you could live in a home owned by just one of you. If that is the case, rights can be acquired in certain limited circumstances. We can help you understand the position based on your circumstances.

A young couple with their dog sat in an empty room smiling.

What is a cohabitation agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement is entered into before you move in together. It is used to establish clear boundaries for you both and to understand what will happen if the relationship breaks down. It can be tailored to your life and can include who will pay what and list what each of you has brought into the home, which can include anything of significant or sentimental value, even your pets.

Our job is to understand what you want to happen and to prepare a document that meets your needs. We will advise you clearly on the law and what would happen should your relationship end and how the document will apply.

What to expect

As in all cases, we would meet with you to understand your needs and we would give you advice as to what is and is not possible. We would need to ask you to confirm the details of your financial circumstances and expectations which we would compare with the other party.

We will write to the other party setting out your position and seeking their agreement to enter into a Cohabitation Agreement. We will advise them to seek legal advice from their own solicitor. If they are happy to proceed, we will prepare the Cohabitation Agreement for you and explain the document to you clearly.

The Agreement then needs to be signed and witnessed by both of you. It will be prepared as a Deed to ensure it will be recognised as a contract.

Our commitments to you

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

We look after you

We understand that you’re going through a tough time, and we’re here to support you through it.

Our lawyers are available to talk to you whenever you need it.

We keep you informed

It can be stressful waiting for information.

We don’t keep you waiting. As soon as we have progress, we let you know straight away.

We help you understand

Legal matters can be complex.

We’ll explain everything to you and guide you through the process so that you know what’s happening.

Our process

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

1.

Book your free 30-minute consultation

2.

We’ll prepare a tailored cost estimate

3.

We’ll have our first meeting to discuss your case (up to 1 hour)

4.

We’ll analyse your case and provide written advice, with options where appropriate

5.

We’ll discuss the options with you and agree the best way forward

6.

We’ll start your case based on our agreed action plan

Fees

  • We offer a free initial telephone or video meeting to discuss your situation and provide a bespoke estimate.

    Our fees vary from case to case and are tailored to your individual circumstances.

Testimonials

“In all aspects of the issues that occurred we couldn’t have asked for better service And would highly recommend her to anyone seeking or requiring legal advice or services in any and all matters.”

CarlaSeptember 2025

“Louise, I can’t thank you enough. What felt like such a stressful, overwhelming process became manageable with your support. You were clear, reassuring, and always on my side. You achieved the result I had been hoping for and that’s been a huge relief!”

AnonymousJune 2025

“From my first telephone call, Alison provided an excellent service, going beyond what I expected. It was a very difficult, stressful time and her understanding and reassurance eased my concerns. Alison is a great listener and provides very clear explanations of options, implications and likely outcomes, which was so important for someone like me, without any experience on legal matters. Above all, Alison was always there for when I needed legal advice, responding promptly to my many queries and giving me the encouragement that I needed towards achieving a satisfactory settlement. With her invaluable help and empathy that objective was achieved.”

AnonymousMarch 2025
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Get in touch.

Book your free 30-minute consultation now.