Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors

Living together without marrying or entering a civil partnership can still involve major financial and practical commitments. Our cohabitation agreement solicitors help couples in England and Wales put clear arrangements in place about property, bills, savings, debts and what should happen if the relationship ends. A well-prepared cohabitation agreement can reduce uncertainty, protect both parties and help avoid costly disputes later.

How we advise on cohabitation agreements

Our cohabitation agreement solicitors provide practical, tailored advice based on your relationship, finances and future plans. We start by understanding what needs to be protected, whether that is a home, unequal contributions, family support, business interests, inherited assets or arrangements involving children. We then advise on the terms that should go into the agreement, how it should be documented and whether related steps such as a declaration of trust or wills advice may also be sensible. Our aim is to give you clarity, reduce the scope for future disagreement and make sure the agreement reflects real life rather than a generic template.

Common issues in these cases

Cohabitation agreements often need to deal with several connected issues at the same time. These commonly include who owns the property, how mortgage or rent payments are shared, what happens to deposits, how household bills are divided, whether savings remain separate, and what should happen if one person contributes more than the other. Some agreements also need to address personal belongings, bank accounts, debts, pets or practical arrangements if the relationship ends. We help clients think through these points carefully so the agreement is clear, realistic and tailored to their circumstances.

Finding the right process

Not every couple needs the same type of protection, so the right process depends on your circumstances. Some clients want a cohabitation agreement before moving in together or buying a property. Others want to formalise arrangements after they have already been living together for some time. In some cases, a cohabitation agreement should sit alongside a declaration of trust to record property shares clearly. Where helpful, we can also work alongside other relevant professionals, including mediators and property valuers, to support the wider issues affecting your arrangements. We explain the options in straightforward terms, advise on the best route and prepare documents that are designed to be clear, practical and legally robust.

What clients often need most

Clients often come to us because they want certainty before making a big decision. They may be moving into a partner’s home, buying together, contributing unequal amounts, protecting assets from a previous relationship or trying to avoid misunderstandings in the future. What they often need most is clear advice on what can be included, what the agreement should say and how to make sure it reflects what has actually been agreed. We focus on giving practical advice that protects your position while keeping the process as straightforward as possible.

Why early legal advice makes a difference

Early legal advice can make a significant difference when you are planning to live together or already sharing a home. It is much easier to record intentions clearly at the outset than to try to resolve disputes after a relationship has broken down. A properly drafted cohabitation agreement can help protect assets, record financial contributions, reduce the risk of future conflict and give both parties greater confidence about what will happen if circumstances change. Our solicitors combine technical family law knowledge with clear, practical advice so you can move forward with greater certainty.