Living Together

We do a great deal of work with unmarried couples. Few people are aware of their rights (or lack of rights) if they break-up after living together. There is no such thing as a “common-law marriage,” meaning that the division of assets can result in lengthy and costly disputes. The ownership of the home can be the biggest source of contention.

If you’re thinking of moving in with someone, we’ll help you safeguard against uncertainty by entering into a cohabitation agreement. We can prepare clear, enforceable contracts that regulate your financial affairs whilst you live together, and set out who is entitled to what, should your relationship end. We appreciate that as well as being a legally complex area, it can also be an emotionally draining one and we’ll help you through it.

If your relationship does break down, we will guide you through the process and claims that can be made on separation. The law on cohabitation is complex and technical. These cases need careful thought and good legal advice, and we will look at ways to make it as streamlined and painless as possible.

Our experience in mediation and Alternatives to Court can be very helpful, as it allows couples to explore a more flexible range of options than those open to them via the court.

There’s more information about cohabitation in this downloadable factsheet.