Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreements

Couples who live together unmarried are referred to as Cohabiting or Cohabiting Couples. Whilst at first sight this may appear to be a sensible living arrangement, if in the future the relationship breaks down and you agree to separate, then without the proper planning and preparation, the situation can quickly become messy and acrimonious, particularly if there is a house or property involved. It can also be expensive!

Deciding on a cohabitation agreement, signed by both parties, provides you with the protection you need if your relationship goes wrong.

Why consider cohabitation agreements?

Many people believe that if they live together, they will have the legal rights of being a ‘common law wife’ or ‘common law husband’.  This is a myth. In English law, there is no such status as a ‘common law spouse’.

Therefore, it is even more important that you both consent to a cohabitation agreement that sets out precisely and in writing what will happen in the event of a breakdown of the relationship.

Some of the possible problems you need to consider are:

  • What if one partner moves into a house already owned by the other?
  • What if you buy a property that is not in joint names?
  • What if one partner makes a greater financial contribution than the other?
  • What if you have arranged joint bank accounts?
  • What if one partner has run up debts?
  • What happens to all the other domestic possessions such as cars, furniture and so on?
  • Most importantly, what if there are children involved?

Get in Touch

How we can help

There is a lot to consider when drawing up an agreement and accessing advice from a specialist family law solicitor will ensure that you and your share of the assets are fully protected.

Higgins Miller can produce a legally acceptable cohabitation agreement document that in the event of a breakdown in your relationship will regulate how the relationship and assets will end.

We would strongly recommend that you make contact to arrange a cohabitation agreement with Higgins Miller before you move in together. Although, an agreement can still be drawn up if you are already cohabiting.

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss a cohabitation agreement with one of our specialist solicitors then we can arrange an initial hour meeting in our Stockport offices for just £120 + VAT @ 20% and we will provide you with a comprehensive written report of our discussion together with our professional advice.

To arrange this fixed fee first appointment please telephone us at 0161 429 7251 or email [email protected]

Get in Touch

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

I have had the pleasure of having a few dealings with Mark Higgins and him taking care of us. I can’t speak highly enough of Mark. His knowledge and attention to detail is first class.

Mr M.

Fantastic, compassionate, easy to work with and Fantastic standard of legal advice! Straight talk, delivered with care and understanding! Highly Recommend

Mrs B.

I just wanted to say thank you and express my appreciation for the support you gave me during this very long and stressful period of my life.

I commend your professionalism and communication skills. Though the wait was long and frustrating at times, you took the time to explain things to me and answered my questions with honesty. You were never dismissive nor disrespectful as some previous legal practitioners were since the start of my journey and I appreciated that.

Please never change and from the bottom of my heart, a massive thank you.

Mrs A.

Upon commencing my association with Higgins Miller, I experienced a heightened sense of apprehension and anxiety regarding the impending legal proceedings. Throughout the course of the year, I interacted with several solicitors, each of whom demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication. They maintained consistent communication, providing me with regular updates and effectively alleviating my concerns. Ultimately, I emerged victorious in my case, and I am profoundly grateful to Higgins Miller for their invaluable assistance. Without their expertise and support, the outcome could have been drastically different.

Miss B.

Very helpful and professional advice resulting in a very satisfactory outcome to my divorce. Highly recommended.

Mr C.

To top