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Are you looking for assistance with drafting a cohabitation agreement?
Whether you are about to move in together or you are already in cohabitation, our team can advise you on your options and the types of items you should include in the agreement. We can also assist you if you are locked into a cohabitation dispute.
What is a cohabitation agreement?
Cohabiting couples are partners who live together but are not married or part of a Civil Partnership. A Cohabitation Agreement is normally drafted to reflect the terms of any agreement reached at the start or during a relationship. Alternatively, they can reflect agreements made between family members or friends, in relation to friends and family who live together.
Why should I get a cohabitation agreement?
The practical guidelines laid out in a Cohabitation Agreement will make it clear to both parties what will be expected of them should the relationship break down. This could save thousands of pounds in legal fees in the future. As advised in the guide to cohabitation disputes, the Courts do not recognise ‘a common law marriage’. It is also important to consider what you would want to happen should you separate from your partner, or in the event either of you passes away. Cohabitation Agreements can be drafted to reflect this and to make sure your position is safeguarded in the event your relationship breaks down. However, whilst Courts are showing more willingness to consider Cohabitation Agreements, there is still no guarantee that they will enforce the terms of one.
Our areas of specialism in relation to cohabitation agreements:
- Cohabitation agreements
- Cohabitation disputes
- Property advice
- Financial advice
- Cohabitation disputes – unmarried property
Next steps
Talk to our expert solicitors and find out how we can help.
What our clients say
Recommend not only for efficiency but for the passion for the work they do. I was very well received and felt protected. They are amazing
Kerolayne S.
Why Crystal Law?
Our team are here to make the law crystal clear.
Our expert solicitors have a wealth of experience, bourne from years of helping 1000s of clients located across the UK on a wide variety of legal matters.
With our extensive knowledge and understanding across many key areas of UK civil law, we're able to provide bespoke legal advice that's tailored to your circumstances.
We know that the law can feel extremely complex and we are there to guide our clients with our down-to-earth approach and jargon-free legal advice.
How Our Cohabitation Solicitors Can Help
Cohabitation can bring both emotional and financial commitments, and it’s important to protect your interests should circumstances change. Our experienced solicitors can help you prepare a clear, legally sound cohabitation agreement that reflects your intentions and provides peace of mind for both parties.
We can:
- Draft or review agreements that set out financial arrangements, property ownership, and shared responsibilities.
- Advise on property rights, including contributions towards mortgages, rent, or household bills.
- Assist with disputes where one party wishes to sell, move out, or claim a share in jointly owned or solely owned property.
- Update agreements when major life changes occur, such as having children or buying a new home together.
Our goal is to ensure that your agreement is fair, comprehensive, and aligned with current UK legal principles.
Every relationship and living arrangement is unique. A well-drafted cohabitation agreement can cover a wide range of practical matters, including:
- Ownership of the property you live in (and how proceeds will be divided if sold)
- Contributions to household expenses, mortgage, rent, and utilities
- Responsibility for debts and financial obligations
- Ownership of personal belongings, furniture, or vehicles
- How savings, pensions, or investments will be treated
- Financial arrangements for children, if applicable
- What happens if one partner passes away or becomes unable to work
By setting out these details in writing, both parties have greater certainty and can avoid potential disputes later on.
Disagreements can arise when cohabiting partners separate, especially if there is no written agreement in place. Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners in the UK do not automatically have rights to their partner’s property or assets. Disputes are usually resolved under property and trust law, rather than family law.
Our solicitors can help you:
- Establish your legal or beneficial interest in a property under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA)
- Resolve ownership disputes where one party claims a financial interest
- Negotiate fair settlements without the need for court action, where possible
- Represent you in court proceedings if an amicable resolution cannot be reached
We approach these sensitive matters with professionalism and empathy, aiming to achieve a fair outcome that protects your financial well-being.
Our family law team has extensive experience supporting individuals and families across the UK in all aspects of cohabitation law. We provide clear, practical advice that helps you make informed decisions at every stage. Whether you are planning to move in with a partner, reviewing an existing agreement, or facing a dispute, we are here to guide you.
We offer:
- Personalised legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- Clear communication throughout your case.
- Compassionate and confidential support from experienced solicitors.
Whether you are planning to move in with your partner, reviewing an existing agreement, or resolving a dispute, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
More Ways We Can Help
To find out more please visit the Fees and Payments section of our website under ‘Our Practice’.
