Choosing to live together as a couple is a significant milestone and undoubtedly, an exciting time for you and your partner. While cohabiting couples may not have the same legal protections as married partners, that doesn’t mean your rights and responsibilities can’t be clearly outlined.
A cohabitation agreement can help you safeguard your financial and personal interests by setting out how key matters should be handled during your relationship and if it were to break down. It’s a proactive way to ensure clarity, protect your assets, and minimise the risk of future disputes.
Our experienced cohabitation agreement solicitors offer sensitive, tailored advice to help you plan confidently for the future. We will work with you to understand your goals and create an agreement that works for both parties, providing reassurance and security without unnecessary complexity.
We support clients with:
- Bespoke legal advice on cohabitation agreements
- Drafting and reviewing agreements
- Updating existing agreements
- Advice and representation in cohabitation disputes
Contact our Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors Today
Contact our cohabitation agreement solicitors in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Leeds and Norwich. If you prefer, you can fill in our short enquiry form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Our Cohabitation Agreement Service
Cohabitation agreement legal advice
Cohabiting couples don’t automatically gain legal rights over each other’s property, income or assets, even if you have lived together for many years. A cohabitation agreement allows you to formalise how finances, property and responsibilities will be managed throughout your relationship and if your relationship comes to an end.
Our solicitors offer clear and constructive legal advice for cohabitating partners tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you are buying a home together, managing different income levels, or have children from previous relationships, we can help you create an agreement that reflects your intentions and safeguards both parties.
Our solicitors will ensure that the legal implications are explained clearly and that both partners receive the independent legal advice needed to support the enforceability of the agreement.
Drafting cohabitation agreements
Every relationship is different, which is why we take a bespoke approach to drafting cohabitation agreements. We listen carefully to your priorities and help you create a document that sets out how key issues should be handled both during the relationship and if you were to separate.
Your agreement can include matters such as:
- Ownership and division of property
- Contributions to rent or mortgage payments
- Management of shared debts or joint purchases
- Financial responsibilities for children
Our family law solicitors will ensure your agreement is legally robust by encouraging full financial disclosure, balancing fairness, and allowing time for review and negotiation. Our aim is to help you understand your cohabitation rights, plan with confidence, and avoid future misunderstandings.
Cohabitation disputes
If disagreements arise, whether about cohabitating rights to property or due to a relationship breakdown, our solicitors are here to help resolve matters constructively. We are experienced in handling cohabitation disputes through:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Collaborative law
These approaches often help avoid court proceedings and lead to quicker, less stressful outcomes. However, if a dispute does reach court, we will represent your interests with clarity, professionalism, and determination.
Our cohabitation dispute solicitors can also support clients whose partner is refusing to comply with an agreement or where no agreement was put in place, and legal guidance is now required to protect their interests.
Why choose Ashtons Legal?
Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience supporting couples with a range of personal and financial circumstances. We understand that discussing legal agreements can feel daunting, especially when it involves a romantic relationship, but we are here to make the process smooth, respectful, and straightforward.
At Ashtons Legal, our lawyers can tailor our support to your needs. Whether you are at the start of your cohabiting relationship, buying a home, or navigating a separation, we will provide expert guidance with discretion and care.
With our support, you can protect your future, reduce uncertainty, and ensure your agreement is fair and enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cohabitation Agreements
What is a cohabitation agreement?
A cohabitation agreement is a legal document between unmarried partners who live together. It sets out how financial and practical matters, such as property ownership, household bills, and personal belongings, will be managed during the relationship and if it ends.
What does a cohabitation agreement cover?
A cohabitation agreement can cover a wide range of financial and practical issues, including:
- How property is owned and managed
- Contributions to rent, mortgage or household expenses
- What happens to jointly owned assets if the relationship ends
- Responsibility for debts
- Financial provision for children
Are cohabitation agreements legally binding?
Cohabitation agreements are not automatically legally binding but are generally upheld by the courts if they are properly drafted, fair, and entered into voluntarily with full financial disclosure. Having independent legal advice for both parties can strengthen the enforceability of the agreement.
Does a cohabitation agreement stand up in court?
Yes, courts often give weight to cohabitation agreements that meet key legal criteria. This includes being made freely by both parties, with a clear understanding of its terms, and with full financial disclosure. While not guaranteed, a well-prepared agreement is likely to be upheld in court proceedings.
How much does a cohabitation agreement cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your financial arrangements and the level of advice and negotiation required. At Ashtons Legal, we offer fixed-fee consultations and will always provide a clear cost estimate before starting work.
Can you write up your own cohabitation agreement?
While it is possible to draft your own agreement, doing so without legal advice can lead to issues with enforceability. A solicitor ensures the agreement is properly structured, legally sound, and fair, greatly increasing the likelihood that it will stand up in court if ever challenged.
Contact our Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors Today
Contact our divorce financial settlement solicitors in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Leeds and Norwich. If you prefer, you can fill in our short enquiry form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
