Cohabitation Agreements

Cohabitation Agreements aka a Deed of Cohabitation

A Cohabitation Agreement, or a Deed of Cohabitation, is a legal document designed for couples who live together but are not married. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of each partner concerning property, finances, and other assets. This agreement is particularly useful in defining how assets and debts will be divided if the relationship ends, providing clarity and protection for both parties.

The agreement is preparing as a Deed which forms a type of contract between the parties setting out the terms that they will each adhere to during the relationship.

When is a Cohabitation Agreement Useful?

Cohabitation Agreements are beneficial in various situations, including:

  • Property Ownership: Clarifying ownership of property acquired before or during the relationship.
  • Financial Arrangements: Establishing how household expenses will be shared.
  • Asset Protection: Protecting individual assets and defining shared assets.
  • Debt Responsibility: Specifying responsibility for debts incurred during the relationship.
  • Children: Outlining arrangements for any children from the relationship or previous relationships.

How Can BWS Law Help?

Our specialist teams of solicitors can provide you with the expert advice you need to enter into a Cohabitation Agreement, to ensure it meets legal requirements and that it reflects your intentions. They will assess your needs to meet your specific circumstances and objectives, prepare for you a comprehensive document tailored to your situation and will be sure to advise on what are fair and equitable terms to protect both parties.

In order to ensure that the Cohabitation Agreement is legally binding our Solicitors will review any Legal Requirements to make sure that the agreement complies with current laws. They will facilitate any necessary negotiations by assisting in discussions between partners to reach a mutual agreement and will finalise the document for you, overseeing the signing process, including witnessing signatures.

Enforcement

In the event of a dispute, our team of solicitors can assist you with the legal advice you need, providing guidance on your rights under the agreement. In conjunction with you, we can consider other forms of dispute resolution such as mediation, to see if the conflicts can be resolved amicably in a less time-consuming and cost-effective way. We can also represent you in court, if necessary, if it becomes necessary to enforce the contract.

For further information have a look at our blog on cohabitation ‘Cohabitation Agreements, are they useful and how do I get one’ and our blog titled ‘Unmarried couples and how to split the house’ may also be of interest to you.

For further advise please contact us for a free initial telephone call.

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Resolution is an organisation committed to following a non-confrontational and constructive approach. The Code of Practice promotes a constructive approach and considers the whole family, in particular the children.

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