Living Together/ Cohabitation
Moving in with your partner or buying a house together can seem like an exciting prospect. But few couples realise how risky their situation can be from a legal point of view.
It may seem outdated but unmarried couples are not protected by law in the same way that married couples are. Sadly, by the time that people realise this it is often too late - the relationship breaks down or a partner dies and valuable rights can be lost.
That being the case, it makes sense to make your own legal arrangements for the future. In the case of a breakdown in the relationship, early advice should be obtained to maximise your claims and protect your position.
When couples decide to cohabit the following issues should be clarified:
- how any property (especially the home) is owned as between the couple;
- how the children will be affected;
- life insurance cover; and
- wills.
By entering into a cohabitation agreement with your partner you can secure both parties financial and other arrangements. They set out, what each member of the couple expects of the other, both during the relationship and if they separate before one of them dies. They are “honourable agreements” which means that they are a statement of intention - the Court does not have to consider them if it chooses not to but they can help limit disagreements.
We can help you put these types of agreements together and provide you with peace of mind.