Cohabitation law is one of the most misunderstood areas of family law, often leaving unmarried couples unprotected when it matters most. Couples who live together don't have the same rights as those who are married, which can put cohabiting couples at risk without even realising it.
If you're planning on living with your partner, but aren't legally married, a cohabitation agreement can prevent future issues arising. At Switalskis, we specialise in assisting 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 simplify the process in a unique approach to each case, offering tailor-made solutions that fit your particular needs and circumstances.
Our family team represent clients across Yorkshire, from North West and South Yorkshire including York all the way to the Yorkshire coast, Bradford , Barnsley , Sheffield and more.
We want to make sure you get the right solicitor for you, so we offer everyone a free initial consultation to tell us about your situation. You can then decide if we would be a good fit to represent you. You can book a free thirty-minute appointment by calling 0800 138 0458 or using the form below , and our solicitors will get in touch.
For a free initial consultation, give us a call on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website.
Cohabitation refers to a couple living together in a relationship, who are not married or in a civil partnership. To understand your rights and protect yourselves for the future, cohabitation agreements can be an important step to take. However, navigating your way through the inticacies of these agreements can seem like a complex maze. As expert cohabitation agreement solicitors, Switalskis brings not only legal know-how but also genuine understanding to your individual circumstances.
Our team of cohabitation agreement lawyers will guide you, one step at a time, helping you understand your rights as well as your partner's. Because every relationship is different, your cohabitation agreement should be as well. We focus on crafting a tailored plan, with transparent, upfront pricing, that directly addresses your particular needs and questions.
Many of our family solicitors are members of Resolution, a leading organisation of specialist family lawyers. This membership assures you that the advice and support you receive will be constructive, professional and in line with the latest best practices.
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. A bit like a prenup, the agreement sets out what each cohabitant intends to do if they split up. 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. So, if you don’t want to get married, a cohabitation agreement can bring firm and fair footing to a relationship and protect each others rights.
There's a common misconception that common law marriage exists if cohabiting couples have lived together for long enough, but this is not the case. Common law marriage doesn't exist in UK law, so if you're not married, you don't have the same legal rights as married couples. Cohabitation agreement solicitors can make sure that should anything happen to you or your partner, you are both protected.
Whether you’re considering moving in together or are already cohabiting, you should consider whether you should enter into a cohabitation agreement. By creating such an agreement, it will make sure that any decisions that you wish to make concerning assets that you own, either jointly or solely, are set out so that you have a mutual understanding as to which assets you are entitled to or responsible for, during the time that you are together and in the event that the cohabitation ends.
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:
Who owns what, and in what proportion? This includes your home, cars and any other big-ticket items you might purchase together.
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?
If one or both of you have debts, or if you accrue debts together, how will they be handled?
If you plan to save money or invest together, this part of the agreement sets out how it's managed and divided if needed.
While cohabitation agreements can't determine child custody, they can outline financial arrangements for your children, like setting aside savings for their education.
Who gets to keep the dog or cat? It might seem minor now, but it can become a major point of contention.
This isn't always included, but some couples like to outline who's responsible for what around the house.
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.
You might want to include how and when you'll review the agreement to make sure it still fits your needs.
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.
You might wonder if you need a cohabitation agreement solicitor to create this document. While it's technically possible to draft one without a solicitor, having legal expertise makes sure that your agreement is comprehensive and compliant with English law. Think of it as an insurance policy for your shared life. At Switalskis, our cohabitation agreement lawyers are well-versed in the law on cohabitation and can guide you through each step, making the process easier and simpler than you'd imagine.
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).
If a cohabitation agreement has been entered by both parties voluntarily, and has been properly drafted by legal experts with signatures from each party, the agreement is legally binding. This helps to protect each party if future issues arise, and makes clear what arrangements should be regarding finances, assets and child care. The agreement will also be reviewed in light of significant changes.
Yes, a cohabitation agreement can significantly protect your property if you split up from your partner. You can outline in the agreement who owns what, and in what proportion. So if you have your own property, or if you have bought a property with your partner, this will be fully outlined in the agreement.
Cohabitation agreements can't specifically determine child custody , but they can outline financial arrangements for your children, like setting aside savings for their education.
When creating a cohabitation agreement, you and your partner will need to be able to prove that you are living together. Usually evidence such as rental or mortgage documents, letters addressed to both individuals at the property, or joint utility bills suffice as proof of cohabitation.
For a free consultation call us on 0800 138 0458 or use our using our contact form.
When families separate, making decisions about children—where they live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how they’re supported—can be emotionally challenging. In some cases, parents turn to the Family Court for help. But for many years, the system designed to support these families has been criticised for being slow, adversarial, and at times, harmful—especially for children caught in the middle.
For every three cohabitation agreements our family solicitors have handled, they have advised on around fifty financial and property disputes between couples who are splitting up. The process and cost of a cohabitation agreement is much simpler and quicker than a dispute. This article explains what a cohabitation agreement is, and why you should consider one if you’re going to move in with your other half.
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Navigating the waters of cohabitation can be complex, but we're here to offer a helping hand. Switalskis provides clear, straightforward advice to make sure you're protected, now and in the future.
We understand that cohabitation agreements can seem complicated and intimidating. Our cohabitation agreement solicitors specialise in breaking down the legal jargon into plain English. We'll guide you through the process step by step, making sure you understand each element of your agreement, from property rights to financial responsibilities and beyond.
We care about your peace of mind. That’s why our cohabitation agreement lawyers aren’t just experts in law but also trained to approach every situation with empathy and understanding. We listen closely to your concerns and tailor our services to meet your unique needs.
Our track record speaks volumes, and we pride ourselves on delivering expert, dependable advice. When it comes to cohabitation agreement lawyers, our team has years of experience under their belt, making them well-equipped to handle even the most complex of situations.
We don't just draft agreements; we advocate for your best interests. Our focus is on crafting a cohabitation agreement that protects your rights and sets the foundation for a secure future. Whether you’re just moving in together or have been cohabiting for years, it’s never too late to put legal safeguards in place.
If you’re looking to safeguard your future and protect your relationship, speak with our dedicated cohabitation agreement solicitors today to get personalised, practical advice tailored to your situation.
Call us now on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website to schedule your consultation.