If you’re looking to set up a cohabitation agreement, we specialise in assisting people and couples like you in creating thorough, legally sturdy cohabitation agreements that provide clarity, financial security and peace of mind.

With years of experience in UK cohabitation law, our cohabitation agreement solicitors bring a level of expertise that you can truly rely on. We take a unique approach to each case, offering tailor-made solutions that fit your particular needs and circumstances. And because we understand that law can be confusing, we use plain English, making sure that you understand every step of the process.

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that outlines the financial and property-related arrangements between two people who live together but aren't married or in a civil partnership. It's a bit like a prenup, but tailored for those who are cohabiting. While marriage offers its own set of legal protections, cohabitation doesn't automatically give you the same rights, even if you've been living together for a long time.

A cohabitation agreement is a bit like a guidebook for your life together. It outlines what you both agree will happen with things like money, property and even pets if you ever decide to part ways or if one of you faces difficult times. Let's break down the main points usually covered:

• Property ownership: who owns what, and in what proportion? This includes your home, cars and any other big-ticket items you might purchase together.
• Money matters: how will you split bills, rent and other expenses? Also, if one of you earns more, will there be any financial support for the other?
• Debts: if one or both of you have debts, or if you accrue debts together, how will they be handled?
• Savings and investments: if you plan to save money or invest together, this part of the agreement sets out how it's managed and divided if needed.
• Children: while cohabitation agreements can't determine child custody, they can outline financial arrangements for your children, like setting aside savings for their education.
• Pets: who gets to keep the dog or cat? It might seem minor now, but it can become a major point of contention.
• Household duties: this isn't always included, but some couples like to outline who's responsible for what around the house.
• End of relationship: what steps should be taken if you decide to break up? This can include how you'll divide assets and whether one of you will need to move out.
• Changes to the agreement: you might want to include how and when you'll review the agreement to make sure it still fits your needs.
• Other personal wishes: every relationship is different, so you might have specific things you want to include, from family heirlooms to holiday homes.

Thinking about drafting a cohabitation agreement can feel awkward, but it's a practical step to make sure both parties are clear on what to expect from each other. At Switalskis, we're experts at helping you navigate this often complicated process. If you have more questions, we're just a call away.

When you're deeply involved in a relationship, sharing a home and possibly even children, the last thing on your mind is what would happen if you split. Yet, if that does happen, a well-drafted cohabitation agreement can prevent a lot of heartache and financial hardship. It outlines how assets like property, savings and even debts are divided, and can specify arrangements for children (though it can't enforce child arrangements - that's a separate legal matter).