Cohabitation Agreements
It is now more common than ever for couples to live together without being married. However, unmarried couples have restricted legal rights, which can cause complications in the event that the relationship breaks down. This is where a Cohabitation Agreement can prove invaluable.
Many people believe the misconception that couples who live together will receive equal rights to couples who live in a martial home. This idea of a ‘common law marriage’ is nothing more than a myth.
Signing a Cohabitation Agreement (also referred to as a Living Together Agreement) can ensure that you have the correct provisions in place with your partner if you are to separate, as well as detailing how both cohabitees will contribute towards household costs while cohabiting.
We appreciate that putting a formal agreement in place can be a daunting prospect, so we make sure to provide straightforward advice that allows you to clearly understand your position and what making a cohabitation agreement will mean.
Our team have specialist expertise in various methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as Collaborative Law, which can be used to help resolve any potential disagreements that arise while negotiation the terms of a Cohabitation Agreement.
All of our team are members of Resolution, a network of family law professionals who are committed to promoting constructive approaches to family issues. We also have a specialist accredited member of Resolution as a part of our team.
Please note we do not deal with Legal Aid enquiries for any Family Law work.
To arrange an initial appointment with one of our Cohabitation Agreement solicitors in Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, or Sandbach please call 01782 652300 or use the enquiry form on the right hand side of the page.
Our Cohabitation Agreement Expertise
If you are living together with your partner, it is important that you understand what your legal rights are and whether making a Cohabitation Agreement would be in your best interests.
Our Cohabitation Agreement solicitors are vastly experienced with all aspects of cohabitation and will be able to provide an object assessment of your circumstances and detail the potential benefits of making an agreement for both you and your partner.
If you have made the decision that making a Cohabitation Agreement would be right for your current living situation, or is the next step forward in your relationship, it is crucial that you seek expert legal advice during the process.
When instructed, our Cohabitation Agreement solicitors can take care of the full process, taking stock of everything that needs to be accounted for, including your assets, debts, arrangements for children and how your property is handled.
When drafting an agreement, our team will take care to ensure that it is reasonable for both parties and will firmly protect your interests if the relationship is to unfortunately break down in the future.
We never know what life has in store for us. Over time, our circumstances naturally evolve, which means that the Cohabitation Agreement you currently have in place may not be an accurate reflection of your position and could be unfair to you or your partner.
Our solicitors can advise you on whether your Cohabitation Agreement needs updating and, if so, support you in making the necessary amendments.
We understand how life-changing an event a separation can be, especially if you have been cohabiting with your partner for a long time. If you already have a Cohabitation Agreement in place, the practical aspects of your separation will be more straightforward, but this does not necessarily mean that there won’t be some bumps in the road.
Our Cohabitation Agreement solicitors can work with you to ensure that the terms of the agreement are accurately followed.
Meet Our Dedicated Cohabitation Agreement Team
Helen Jackson
Karen Wilson
What Our Clients Say About Our Family Law Expertise
Our central goal is to satisfy our client’s needs. Here’s just a few of them, in their own words, detailing how we do exactly that.
“I have been going through a very messy divorce and Heather and Tinsdills have been my rock. Her advice has been invaluable and she has kept me from going in all gung ho in the divorce proceedings. I would highly recommend their services and I’m still using them for my ongoing issues.”
“I was really pleased with my solicitor Karen with all the help and support she gave me regarding my situation. Would highly recommend.”
Get in Touch With our Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors Today
If you wish to discuss a Cohabitation Agreement further, please get in touch with a member of our expert team today.
With a dedicated team on hand to take you through every step of the process, you can rest assured that we will provide you with the best chance of achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Please note we do not deal with Legal Aid enquiries for any Family Law work.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Cohabitation Agreement solicitors in Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-Under-Lyme or Sandbach, please call 01782 652300 or use the enquiry form on the right hand side of the page.
Cohabitation Agreement FAQs
A Cohabitation Agreement is an agreement which can be entered into by cohabiting partners. It sets out their intentions for their property and assets should the relationship breakdown in the future.
A Cohabitation Agreement can be personalised to include whatever the cohabiting partners are able to agree on. Typically, they will include arrangements for:
- Ownership of property
- Independently or jointly owned assets
- Independently or jointly owned debts
- Provisions for children
- Provisions for pets
- How bills will be divided
While a Cohabitation Agreement is not 100% legally binding, if it is correctly drafted and is fair to both parties, it will typically be upheld.
When a Cohabitation Agreement is ‘correctly drafted’, this means:
- It is executed as a deed
- It is signed in the presence of witnesses
- The full financial position of both parties is disclosed
- Both parties took independent legal advice
The cost of making a Cohabitation Agreement will likely vary depending on your individual circumstances.
This is something we can discuss further during an initial meeting with a member of our team. Initial meetings are prices at £125 + VAT.
Latest News
Visit the Tinsdills blog for great content about the legal sector and beyond.
The Importance of a Financial Consent Order and Dealing with Divorce Finances
With the new no-fault divorce laws, it is now easier than ever for parties to divorce. Applications for divorce have... read more
Karen Wilson Celebrates Resolution Accreditation
Tinsdills Solicitors are proud to announce that Senior Associate, Karen Wilson has successfully achieved re-accreditation by the Family Law Association,... read more
Wedding Law Reforms: from something old, to something new!
The Law Commission has recommended an overhaul of the current laws surrounding weddings in England and Wales. Following concerns around... read more
No Fault Divorce – New Divorce Law Changes
England and Wales are set to witness the biggest change to divorce law in a generation. From the 6th April... read more
The Rising Cost of Separation; New Court Fees
The introduction of the Court Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2021 came into force on 30th September 2021, bringing with it... read more
Pet Nups: What are they and how will my pets be dealt with upon separation or divorce?
If your relationship or marriage unfortunately breaks down, aside from dealing with arrangements for any children, dealing with the pets... read more
Cryptocurrency and Divorce
If your marriage unfortunately breaks down, you may generally be aware that assets such as property, pensions, investments and savings... read more
Choosing and Changing Your Child’s Name
The Duke & Duchess of Sussex has recently announced the birth of their Daughter Lillibet Diana. Diana was to be... read more
Changes to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 29th April. Some of its provisions come into effect immediately, but... read more
Pre-Nuptial, Post-Nuptial & Cohabitation Agreements
In this article, we take a look at Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements, whilst also considering Cohabitation Agreements. Read on for... read more
Voluntary Financial Disclosure
Even if you and your spouse divorce, financial claims remain open until you put in place what is known as... read more
Taking the step into Child Arrangements Applications
When parties separate or decide to divorce from each other, often their next concern is regarding contact with the children... read more