Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors | Harpenden
A cohabitation agreement is a legal agreement for a couple who have chosen to live together but are not married or in a civil partnership. The agreement protects their individual assets should the relationship break down at a later stage.
When do I need a Cohabitation Agreement?
It is a misconception that couples can rely on a ‘common law marriage’ to protect their financial interests when cohabiting.
If you are buying a property with your partner it is a good idea to agree at the outset, whether you will own the property in equal or unequal shares, and which contributions you will make to the purchase price, mortgage and ongoing costs of running and improving the property. This can be incorporated into a Cohabitation Agreement but it can govern other issues such as:
- What should happen if a co-owner wants to sell the property and realise their investment and the other does not
- The arrangements for one party to buy the other's share
- How and when the property is to be sold and costs of this are met
- Ownership of joint and separate property, if cohabitation comes to an end
- Financial support between cohabitees during and after cohabitation ends
- The living arrangements and financial provision to be made for children if cohabitation ends
- Pets
A Cohabitation agreement can be entered into at any time during a relationship, pre or post cohabitation.
You can rely on our experts
If you are living with your partner and need to draw up an agreement to protect you and your partner's financial interests then please get in touch with our expert Family Lawyers who have extensive experience in drawing up cohabitation agreements. Click on the images below to find out more about the specialisms of each of our solicitors.
Get in touch with our Family Law Solicitors
If you are living with your partner and would like to discuss drawing up a cohabitation agreement please get in touch with our Family Law team at our Harpenden office. Call 01582 715234, email family@nevesllp.co.uk or complete our contact form below and we'll get back to you at a time that suits you.
See also
- What you should know if you are cohabiting
- Trusts of property and Cohabitation
- Unmarried couples and property disputes
- The significance of not having a will
- What to expect from your first meeting with a Family Solicitor
Heidi Fleming took over my divorce file in October 2020 and provided an excellent level of service with prompt and well explained communications to the outstanding issues that were required for agreeing the financial arrangements to have the Consent Order agreed by both parties. Since this time, Heidi was effective in completing the settlement to the point of decree absolute. In addition to the financial matters, Heidi provided very sound advice on child matters. Working with Heidi definitely helped take some of the practical stresses out of a very challenging time personally, when dealing with separating from my ex-wife by being so efficient.
