Cohabitation Agreements

When setting up home together, it is important to consider what financial contributions you each intend to make and what may happen if your relationship ends. The law is complex, as unmarried partners have no legal status, so getting advice is essential, particularly if you are buying a house together and you are contributing different amounts towards the purchase.

A cohabitation agreement can avoid lengthy and expensive litigation if the relationship does not last. It will set out how a home is to be held, what financial contributions are to be made during the relationship and how assets should be divided if the relationship comes to an end.

How We Can Help

Prepare and negotiate the terms of a cohabitation agreement.
Help you decide whether any property you own with your partner should be held as joint tenants or as tenants-in-common (in specified shares).
Advise you about the position on legal and beneficial ownership.
Identify any claims there might be between you and your partner for maintenance and other financial provision for your children’s benefit.
Advise on the terms of a will and possible claims in the event of the death of one of you.

Next Steps

For initial advice or to arrange a meeting with one of our team, please email family@bishopandsewell.co.uk or contact 020 7631 4141 and ask to speak to our Family team.