If you are in an unmarried couple and your relationship breaks down, you may be surprised to find that you don’t have the same rights as people who are married or in a civil partnership.
This means that if you decide to separate you don’t automatically have the right to share in each other’s finances and property.
Whether you are moving in together or just planning for the future, it is a good idea to seek legal advice as there are steps you can take to give yourself certainty and avoid potential unfairness. We are widely recognised as one of the UK's leading family law teams and are accredited by independent legal guides Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, so we are well placed to guide you through the legal process.
We can help you to work through and formalise your arrangements in a Separation Agreement, which sets out how you will split your finances, assets and childcare arrangements.
If you are considering moving in with your partner without getting married, we could help you put together a Cohabitation Agreement. This clarifies:
- Who owns what, including your home, joint bank accounts and belongings
- How payment of household bills is to be divided
- Maintenance payments for any children, including school fees and payments for housing
Cohabitation Agreements are legally binding and enforceable, giving you real peace of mind and security for the future. We have particular expertise in relationships where one or both parties has significant wealth or owns property overseas.
Working with you, our solicitors can advise you on your situation and take you through every step of the process. Our no-nonsense approach will ensure you understand your options and feel comfortable with every decision you make.
If you require further advice on rights for unmarried couples, please contact us to speak with one of our experts. Call us on 0370 1500 100 or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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