Cohabitation

If you have been living with your partner, have not married and are now separating, we can advise you on:
• Ownership of the family home jointly or solely owned.
• Occupation of a jointly or solely owned family home
• Financial arrangements
• Child arrangements

Cohabitation agreements

If you are contemplating cohabiting with someone, particularly in a property you will be buying (in either joint names or in one partner’s sole name) or if one of you already owns a property in which you will be living, it is advisable to consult us and consider entering into a cohabitation agreement or declaration of trust to clarify property ownership at the outset of any cohabiting relationship and to provide clarity if the relationship breaks down and you decide to separate.

The law governing the breakdown of cohabiting relationships is NOT identical to the law governing divorce or dissolution. It is not as flexible or discretionary and it is advisable to clarify rights and obligations at the beginning of your relationship.