More couples are choosing to live together without marrying or entering into a civil partnership, but the legal protections available to cohabiting couples remain very different from those available to married couples.

There is currently no legal status of “common law marriage” in England and Wales, regardless of how long a couple has lived together or whether they have children. As a result, the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship can create difficult questions about property, finances and the contributions each person has made during the relationship.

Our Family Law solicitors advise individuals at every stage of a cohabiting relationship. We can help you put arrangements in place when moving in together or purchasing a property, understand your position during the relationship and resolve financial and property issues if you separate.

Our Family Law team provides practical advice to unmarried couples on protecting their position and resolving issues following separation.

Our services include:

The legal position of unmarried couples can be very different from what either partner expects. Our Family Law solicitors provide clear advice on your individual rights and help you understand how decisions about property and finances could affect you both now and in the future.

Where you are planning to live together or purchase a property, taking advice at an early stage can help you put appropriate arrangements in place before problems arise. We can help you identify what needs to be recorded and ensure that any agreement reflects your intentions and particular financial circumstances.

If your relationship has already broken down, we focus on understanding what you want to achieve and identifying the most practical way to resolve matters. Property disputes between former cohabitants can involve different legal principles from financial claims following divorce, making it particularly important to establish the ownership arrangements, financial contributions and available evidence at an early stage. The Government currently acknowledges that separating cohabitants do not have the same overarching statutory framework for dividing property and money that applies on divorce.

Where possible, we will help you reach an agreement without unnecessary court proceedings. If a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, we can advise on the legal remedies available and provide strategic support to protect your position.

We provide:

• Clear advice on the rights of unmarried couples
• Cohabitation agreements tailored to your circumstances
• Advice on property ownership and financial contributions
• Support protecting assets when moving in together
• Practical advice following the breakdown of a relationship
• Assistance negotiating separation arrangements
• Advice on property and financial disputes
• Support with issues affecting children following separation
• A proportionate approach focused on achieving practical solutions
• Strategic advice where court proceedings may be required

Whether you are planning to live with a partner, purchasing a property together or dealing with the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship, obtaining legal advice can help you understand your position and protect your financial interests.

Our Family Law solicitors can prepare and review cohabitation agreements, advise on property ownership and financial contributions and help resolve disputes following separation.

To discuss your requirements, contact us by emailing family@dtmlegal.com or calling 01244 354 800 / 0151 321 0000.