Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors

Moving in together is an exciting milestone, but it’s also an important time to think about protecting your future. Get in touch with our cohabitation agreement solicitors today.

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At Talbots Law, our experienced Family Law solicitors provide practical, sensitive advice to help you protect your interests and give both of you peace of mind.

Many couples believe that living together gives them the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In England and Wales, there is no such thing as a “common law marriage”, regardless of how long you’ve lived together.

A Cohabitation Agreement allows you and your partner to record how you want to manage your finances, property and other assets while you’re living together, as well as what should happen if your relationship comes to an end.

If you would like to speak with one of our expert Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors, get in touch with us today on 0800 118 1500 or complete the form below.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement (sometimes called a Living Together Agreement) is a legal document between two people who live together but are not married or in a civil partnership.

It sets out how you will manage your finances, who owns particular assets, how household expenses will be shared and what should happen if you separate in the future.

Having these arrangements recorded in writing can help provide certainty, reduce misunderstandings and minimise the risk of disputes later on.

Find out more in our frequently asked questions below.

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Why Do I Need a Cohabitation Agreement?

Although discussing what might happen if a relationship ends can feel uncomfortable, having an agreement in place is about planning ahead rather than expecting the worst.

A Cohabitation Agreement can help provide clarity from the outset, ensuring that both partners understand their rights, responsibilities and financial arrangements. It can also help avoid costly disagreements in the future by recording what has been agreed while the relationship is strong.

Why Choose Talbots’ Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors?

Whether you’re moving into your first home together, buying a property, bringing significant assets into the relationship or planning for the future, we’ll provide advice that’s tailored to your individual circumstances.

We take the time to understand what matters most to you before preparing a clear, practical agreement that reflects your wishes. Our advice is straightforward, supportive and focused on helping you make informed decisions with confidence.

As a full-service law firm, we can also advise on related matters including wills, trusts, property ownership and family law, ensuring you have access to specialist legal advice whenever you need it.

With offices across the country and a team of specialists covering a wide range of legal services, we are able to provide practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances. As an employee-owned firm, we are committed to delivering exceptional service, clear communication and legal support you can trust. Our reputation is reflected in the thousands of positive reviews we have received from happy clients. Read our Trustpilot reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Cohabitation Agreement if we own a house together?

A Cohabitation Agreement can be particularly beneficial if you own a property together, especially where you have contributed different amounts towards the deposit, mortgage or ongoing household expenses. It provides an opportunity to record how ownership is intended to work and what should happen if one person wishes to sell or if the relationship comes to an end.

Having a clear agreement in place can help reduce uncertainty, protect both parties’ financial interests and minimise the risk of disputes in the future. It can also work alongside a Declaration of Trust where appropriate to provide additional clarity over ownership.

Is a Cohabitation Agreement legally binding?

A properly prepared Cohabitation Agreement can carry significant legal weight, provided it has been entered into voluntarily, both parties have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice and there has been full and honest financial disclosure.

To ensure the agreement remains effective, it should accurately reflect your circumstances and be reviewed if there are significant changes to your relationship or finances, such as buying a new property, having children or receiving an inheritance.

What can a Cohabitation Agreement include?

A Cohabitation Agreement can be tailored to suit your individual circumstances and the way you choose to manage your finances as a couple. It can cover matters such as ownership of your home, mortgage contributions, household bills, savings, investments, personal possessions and responsibility for debts.

The agreement can also set out what should happen if you separate, including how jointly owned assets will be dealt with and whether either person will remain in the property. Having these arrangements agreed in advance can provide clarity and help avoid misunderstandings later on.

Can a Cohabitation Agreement be changed?

Yes. A Cohabitation Agreement should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change in your circumstances to ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and remains appropriate.

For example, you may wish to update the agreement if you buy a new home, have children, receive an inheritance, start a business together or your financial circumstances change. Our solicitors can review your existing agreement and advise whether any amendments are needed.

Do unmarried couples have the same legal rights as married couples?

No. Despite the common belief in “common law marriage”, unmarried couples who live together do not have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners in England and Wales, regardless of how long they have been together.

This can affect important issues such as property ownership, financial claims and inheritance if the relationship ends or one partner dies. A Cohabitation Agreement, together with a professionally drafted Will, can help provide greater protection and certainty for both partners.

Should we also make a Will?

Yes. A Cohabitation Agreement and a Will often work hand in hand. Unlike married couples and civil partners, unmarried partners do not automatically inherit from each other if one partner dies. Making a Will alongside your Cohabitation Agreement can help ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.