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.
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 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.
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 team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help 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.
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.
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 team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.
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.
Cohabitation agreement £1,260 to £2,100 (including VAT)
TOLATA proceedings – cohabitation dispute inside Court £6,000 plus Court fee dependant on the value of the equity on the property (including VAT)
Financial matters handled without going to court From £2,100 (including VAT)
Examples for Married/civil partners: resolve finances by exchanging information, negotiating (directly, via solicitors, or mediation), and turning agreements into a court-approved consent order.
Examples for Unmarried couples: agree on home sale or shares, divide money, possessions, debts, and bills, arrange child support, and record everything in a cohabitation or separation agreement.
Financial matters that go through the courts From £5,040 (including VAT)
Examples for married/civil partners: disputes over selling or keeping the home, spousal maintenance, sharing pensions, lump-sum payments for housing, treatment of inherited assets, unpaid maintenance, or hiding money.
Examples for unmarried couples: disputes over home ownership and sale, mortgage/deposit contributions, loans/gifts/renovations, occupation costs, and child-related financial support.
Book your free 30-minute consultation now.
