Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors
Living together with your partner is a significant step, but under English law, unmarried cohabiting couples do not automatically enjoy the same legal protections as married couples or legal civil partners. At Richard Nelson LLP, our specialist cohabitation agreement solicitors provide pragmatic, discreet, and tailored advice to ensure your individual assets, property rights, and financial contributions are fully protected.
How our cohabitation agreement solicitors can help you
Our expert cohabitation lawyers provide comprehensive legal assistance tailored to your unique relationship and financial setup. We focus on securing clear, legally enforceable agreements that prevent costly disputes down the line. We can:
- Assess your financial situation and advise on the most effective structure for your agreement.
- Draft bespoke cohabitation agreements tailored to your property ownership and joint finances.
- Review existing agreements or draft updates when personal circumstances change (e.g., birth of children or purchasing new property).
- Provide independent legal advice to either party to maximise legal enforceability. We make sure all critical safeguards are met, including full financial disclosure, absence of duress, and execution as a formal deed, so the court is likely to uphold your agreement.
- Advise on property rights, deposit protection, and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) implications.
- Provide clear guidance on how joint bills, mortgages, and individual financial obligations will be handled.
We understand that discussing financial and legal matters with your partner requires sensitivity and care. Our cohabitation solicitors ensure the process is handled transparently, constructively, and without creating friction.
Contact UsWhat is a cohabitation agreement?
A cohabitation agreement, sometimes called a living together agreement, is a legally binding contract entered into by an unmarried couple who live together or plan to cohabit.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’ in the UK. Without a legally recognised contract or property trust in place, living together for many years does not give you an automatic right to your partner’s property, savings, or pension if you separate. Working with a qualified cohabitation agreement lawyer ensures you have a clearly structured framework that protects both parties fairly.
What can be included in a cohabitation agreement?
Every relationship is unique, and our cohabitation solicitors tailor each contract to suit your specific personal and financial circumstances. Common elements set out in a cohabitation agreement include:
- Property ownership and deposits: Defining who owns the home and reflecting individual contributions towards property deposits or mortgage payments.
- Household expenses: Setting out how rent, utility bills, maintenance costs, and joint expenses will be shared.
- Bank accounts and savings: Clarifying the ownership of joint or individual bank accounts, investments, and personal savings.
- Debts and liabilities: Ensuring individual liabilities remain the responsibility of the person who incurred them.
- Business interests and inheritances: Ring-fencing business assets, inherited wealth, or family gifts.
- Arrangements for children: You can use the agreement to record your plans for housing and financial support for any children. Keep in mind that any child-related arrangements remain subject to family law and court oversight to ensure the child’s best interests come first.
- Separation terms: Pre-defining how joint assets or property will be divided if you choose to go your separate ways.
Are cohabitation agreements legally binding in the UK?
Yes, cohabitation agreements are legally enforceable in England and Wales, provided they meet specific legal criteria. To ensure your agreement is upheld by a court, the following requirements must be met:
- Both parties enter into the contract freely and voluntarily.
- The agreement is drafted properly, executed in writing, signed, and witnessed.
- Both partners provide full and honest financial disclosure.
- Both parties receive independent advice from qualified cohabitation agreement lawyers before signing.
Why choose Richard Nelson LLP cohabitation solicitors?
Choosing Richard Nelson LLP means putting your legal affairs into the hands of experienced family law specialists who prioritise clarity, discretion, and practical solutions. Our multidisciplinary team brings deep expertise in unmarried couples‘ rights and property law, ensuring that every legal angle of your cohabiting arrangement is fully addressed.
We do not rely on generic templates. Instead, every agreement is custom-crafted by a dedicated cohabitation lawyer to reflect your exact assets, lifestyle, and personal intentions. To give you complete confidence, we offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing structures so you always know the cost of your legal advice upfront. Above all, we handle every instruction with care and empathy, guiding you and your partner through financial discussions constructively to establish secure foundations for your shared future.
If you’re looking to protect your individual assets or set out clear financial expectations before moving in together, get in touch with our specialist cohabitation agreement solicitors for a completely confidential, non-judgmental discussion.
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Use the form on the right to get in touch with our cohabitation agreement solicitors and arrange an initial call to discuss your situation. We will use this no-obligation, fully confidential initial call to learn more about your case and help you understand your options going forward.
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