Cohabiting Couples

Cohabiting Couples

Couple cohabitation is now common practice and many people will have children outside of marriage. Often, cohabitees assume that they benefit from the same rights to property and maintenance as if they are married (‘Common Law Marriage Myth’), but this is incorrect. There can therefore be both personal and financial hardship when cohabiting couples separate.

Chris Stevenson Solicitors can help protect you, your property and your family before or whilst you are cohabiting with another person. We can assist in the accurate drafting of cohabitation agreements in order to formalise aspects of your relationship or separation agreements should your relationship break down.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legal agreement between a couple who has chosen to live together but are not married or in a civil partnership. An agreement may outline how you manage financial contributions such as rent or mortgage, bills and other assets during your relationship.

Benefits of having a Cohabitation Agreement

A valid cohabitation agreement can reduce worries about the future of your relationship by clearly stating each partner’s responsibilities and expectations. Such an agreement can help avoid disputes over financial matters or asset distribution should the relationship end. It may also circumvent the need for costly legal proceedings should you then decide to separate.

Common contents of a cohabiting agreement:

• Property owned before moving in together, especially if you plan to live together in the Property and jointly pay the mortgage for example;
• Property or possessions you obtain after moving in together and how you may consider them to be owned;
• Who will pay for certain household expenses;
• Children and how they may be co-parented should the relationship end.

How Chris Stevenson Solicitors can help you

For cohabitation agreements to carry as much legal weight as possible in future proceedings, certain criteria must be met. Chris Stevenson Solicitors will ensure this criteria is met on your behalf. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly family team on 01302 341243 or enquiries@chris-stevenson.co.uk.