Cohabitation Agreement Advice

Are you moving in with your partner?  It is strongly recommended that you make a cohabitation agreement. A cohabitation agreement will protect you and your partner should your relationship break down in the future.  

Our expert family law solicitors can guide you through the process of making a cohabitation agreement.  We aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, giving you peace of mind that your rights are protected.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a document which records arrangements between you and a partner who you cohabit with. They are not legally enforceable, but they can be used to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently. 

A cohabitation agreement provides security and protection for you and your partner by outlining how your affairs and property will be dealt with should your relationship come to an end, and you no longer wish to live together.  

There is a popular misconception that unmarried couples living together share the same legal rights as those who are married or in a civil partnership. However, this is not the case. There is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’ no matter how long an unmarried couple has lived together.   

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Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors in Leeds & Yorkshire

Cohabitation agreements are often entered into by unmarried couples as a way of protecting themselves in the event the relationship breaks down.  

As an unmarried couple you are not entitled to anything which belongs to your partner upon separation or death (unless you are named in their will). 

If you have children with your cohabiting partner the law treats children in a similar way to married couples who are getting a divorce. This means where children live will depend on their best interests. 

We offer our services at your convenience either in-person, over the phone, via email and through the post, so you can benefit from our family law services no matter where you live. 

Prenuptial Agreement Solicitors

Who can enter into a cohabitation agreement?

What is a cohabitation agreement and why do I need one? In the eyes of the law, cohabiting couples are in a very different position to couples who are married or in civil partnerships.  

As the law stands, unmarried couples living together do not acquire legal rights unless they are married. A cohabitation agreement is put in place to provide security for both parties in the event the relationship breaks down.  

What to Include in a Cohabitation Agreement?

Our Family Law Solicitors will help guide you through the process of making a cohabitation agreement. They will provide you with clear, honest and professional advice on what you could include in the agreement such as: 

  • Home ownership and each person’s share of the property 
  • Childcare roles 
  • How bills are shared e.g., mortgage and utilities etc.  
  • Pension schemes 
  • Life insurance 
  • Savings 
  • Investments 
  • How joint bank accounts are dealt with 
  • Division of possessions and other assets, e.g., furniture

Our experienced Family Law Solicitors have witnessed bitter disputes between cohabiting couples following the breakdown of their relationships. Often, this is because they are confused about their legal rights.  

Having a cohabitation agreement in place can prevent issues arising following a breakup as it records arrangements between yourself and your partner. 

Cohabitation Lawyers in Leeds

Cohabitation Legal Advice

Cohabiting couples should not wait until problems arise. It is advised that, together, you make arrangements for the future in the event you part company.  

The knowledge that your future arrangements are well established can provide a solidity of a relationship in the same way that a marriage can.  

One way to make such provisions is through the creation of Cohabitation Agreements. They are the best option for cohabiting couples who wish to make provisions for their future.  

When a relationship ends, it is essential that legal advice is sought at an early stage. This is particularly important where children are involved.  

Why Morrish Solicitors?

Morrish Solicitors are a leading Law Firm based in Yorkshire. We provide a wide range of legal services both regionally and nationally.  

Protecting your future

Our experienced Family Law Solicitors in Leeds offer clear, honest and confidential legal advice on a range of family law and matrimonial matters, including cohabitation agreements. 

We understand that your circumstances are unique, and that’s why we’re careful to listen to your situation and provide the best possible solution to support your family’s wellbeing. 

Led by Noelle Heath, Head of Family Law, our family lawyers are members of Resolution – first for family law, which is a national organisation of family solicitors and lawyers committed to a non-confrontational approach to divorce, separation and other family problems. 

Expert advice at competitive Yorkshire rates

As a Yorkshire-based firm, you can benefit from our competitive rates. We believe in representing people, not large organisations, which is why we aim to provide expert advice, personable service, and excellent value for money.  

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Why Our Clients Choose Morrish Solicitors

I have nothing but praise for Morrish and Co Solicitors. They're professional, respectful and will support their clients with issues both big and small. I have used Morrish and Co for various matters and am confident in their knowledge and services provided, and would most definitely recommend them to friends and family. They're also recommended by the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association Trade Union and have delivered excellent customer service and support for me and undoubtedly their other clients too.

Mark Evans, November 2021

Meet the Family Law Team

Noelle Heath

Partner & Head of Family Law