Living Together Agreement – Family Lawyers Dot Co
Cohabitation Agreements
We have all heard the term common law marriage or common law man and wife. Under UK law there is no such thing as a Common Law Marriage.
Many people choose to live together, or to cohabit. However, unlike marriage or civil partnership, cohabitation affords no protection in law. Therefore it is important for couples to give careful consideration to their legal rights. When parties are married the law allows the court to adjust property rights on divorce but when parties live together the law can only determine who owns the property and in what shares. As can be appreciated, having an agreement can be an effective way of detailing the intention of the parties in respect of assets. Such an agreement might include:
Who owns what property;
Whether it is intended either party will have an interest in the property owned by the other and if so in what circumstances;
What will happen if either party makes a financial contribution/improvements to the property;
Who will pay any mortgage/rent/other outgoings;
The ownership of the contents;
Ownership of bank accounts and other capital assets;
What will happen if the relationship breaks down.
It is important for the parties to fully consider these matters because you do not acquire rights simply because you choose to live together.
You can protect yourself by creating a legally binding contract (Cohabitation Agreement) that can be legally enforced should one party choose not to honour the agreement.
Family Lawyers Dot Co will prepare a Cohabitation Agreement on your behalf accurately reflecting the agreement you have reached with your partner. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to have confidence should your relationship break down for whatever reason, you will be protected.’
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