Understanding cohabitation agreements
Many couples believe that living together gives them the same legal rights as married couples. This is not the case. There is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales.
A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding document that sets out how finances, property and other assets are to be managed during your relationship and what should happen if you separate.
These agreements can provide clarity, reduce uncertainty and help avoid costly disputes in the future. They are particularly important where one partner owns the property, contributes more financially or has children from a previous relationship.
Our role is to ensure your agreement is clear, fair and properly documented.
How we can help
Drafting cohabitation agreements
We prepare tailored agreements reflecting your financial arrangements and intentions.
Advising on property ownership
We provide guidance on joint ownership structures and beneficial interests.
Protecting financial contributions
We help document unequal contributions towards property or shared expenses.
Reviewing existing arrangements
We assess informal agreements and advise on formalising them legally.
Advising on separation arrangements
We provide practical advice if your relationship has ended and there is no formal agreement in place.
Ongoing updates
We can review and update your agreement as circumstances change.
