People who live together but do not marry do not have the same rights as husbands and wives or civil partners. It is important to ensure that you know your rights as a cohabitee.

There is no such thing as “common law husband or wife”.

Cohabitation Agreement

Sometimes referred to as “A Living Together Agreement”. You can enter into an Agreement detailing the arrangements which will apply while you live together and can also pre-emptively record the division of assets and future financial provision for each of you should the relationship break down. For example, it can record unmatched financial contributions which one party may wish to preserve should you separate.

Having a Separation Agreement drafted when relations between you and your partner are amicable can often avoid the expense and scope for disagreement over the sharing of assets should the relationship break down.

At Parker Bullen our Family Solicitors can advise on whether an agreement would be appropriate for you and can draft an Agreement on your behalf. This may be particularly important if one of you is bringing assets, for example property or savings to the relationship, unmatched by the other or where there are children.

We offer a free no obligation initial consultation. Taking legal advice at an early stage can often avoid pitfalls and can enable you to resolve matters sooner.

Separation Agreement

Sometimes called a “Deed of Separation”. This is a written agreement which you both sign setting out your financial settlement. If your relationship with your partner has broken down we can advise and assist you to resolve your dispute as swiftly, amicably and economically as possible.

You may wish to try and preserve assets brought into the relationship or you may wish to make a claim on assets acquired either jointly or individually during the period of your cohabitation.

At Parker Bullen our Family Solicitors have expertise and knowledge in the law regarding cohabitation and property ownership between non married couples following a breakdown of the relationship.

We offer a free no obligation initial consultation. Taking legal advice at an early stage can often avoid pitfalls and can enable you to resolve matters sooner.

Financial Claims of Unmarried Parents

As a parent of a child it may be possible to pursue a claim for a financial settlement if you separate from your partner with whom you have a child(ren). These are referred to as Schedule 1 claims under the Children Act 1989.

The claims that an unmarried parent may pursue on behalf of their child(ren) are not the same as available to married parents so taking legal advice at an early stage is important and can enable you to achieve an amicable settlement with a focus on financial provision for your child(ren).

We offer a free no obligation initial consultation. Taking legal advice at an early stage can often avoid pitfalls and can enable you to resolve matters sooner.

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Your Cohabitation & Unmarried Couples Team

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