In the modern landscape of relationships, the choice to cohabit without the formalities of marriage is increasingly prevalent. Whilst this arrangement offers flexibility and freedom, it also necessitates legal foresight to safeguard the interests of both parties involved. Cohabitation agreements emerge as essential tools in this context, meticulously crafted by the expert team at Louisa Rose Solicitors to protect the assets, finances, and rights of cohabiting couples.

These agreements serve as a blueprint, clearly defining the ownership and distribution of assets such as property, investments, and shared purchases. They also outline the responsibilities each party has towards joint financial obligations, ensuring that there is a mutual understanding and agreement on how finances are managed during the relationship and in the event of a separation.

Crafting a cohabitation agreement demands a nuanced understanding of the couple’s unique situation. The solicitors at Louisa Rose engage in comprehensive discussions with their clients, aiming to fully grasp the intricacies of their relationship and financial arrangements. This thorough approach ensures that the final agreement is tailored to the couple’s specific needs, offering peace of mind and legal clarity.

In addition to detailing financial arrangements, these agreements can also cover other aspects of the relationship, such as the division of household responsibilities and arrangements concerning any children. This breadth ensures that all facets of the cohabiting relationship are considered and protected.

The legal framework surrounding cohabitation agreements is intricate, and the expertise of Louisa Rose Solicitors is pivotal in navigating these complexities. They ensure that the agreement complies with current legal standards, thereby enhancing its enforceability should disputes arise. Their proactive approach includes advising on the necessity of regular reviews of the agreement, to reflect changes in the couple’s circumstances or in the legal landscape, maintaining its relevance and protective strength over time.

Cohabitation agreements represent a critical step for non-marital couples in securing their future together and individually. Through detailed legal guidance, Louisa Rose Solicitors empowers couples to establish a strong foundation for their relationship, one where rights, responsibilities, and assets are clearly defined and protected.

Couples who live together and are unmarried do not acquire the same legal rights as married couples, despite how long they may live together. Most people believe that there is such a thing as a “common law” husband or wife in England and Wales. This may come as a surprise to some people but within England and Wales “common law” marriage doesn’t exist.

This is why it is especially important for any unmarried couples considering moving in together to draw up a cohabitation agreement, particularly if you are a high net-worth individual with large amounts of wealth and assets. Cohabitation agreements can also be prepared after you have moved in with your partner. Cohabitation agreements are important in the event of a relationship breakdown as they enable you to make sure that you and your assets are fully protected.

The Law

The law in England and Wales is currently in a state of change on this issue and it is possible for someone living with you to gain an equitable interest in your property without your express agreement. However, these situations can turn into complex and costly legal disputes, so it is sensible to put a cohabitation agreement in place to avoid this.

If there is no cohabitation agreement in place each party will be deemed to own only what they have obtained through law or contract, not taking into account the relationship of the two parties. This means it is very important to make sure that an agreement as to who owns what percentage of the property is reached through a cohabitation agreement.

We can advise you on the legal issues surrounding the setting up of a cohabitation agreement to make sure your interests and wealth are protected. This will involve a discussion between both cohabiting parties as to their expectations and will end in a written agreement between the two parties. Our legal expert will guide you through the process from start to finish and ensure you enter a legally binding contract.

We can make sure that your interests, both current and in the future, assets are protected and we can even advise you on how to make sure that a partner does not acquire any interest in your property or properties at all.

Expert Legal Advice

We specialise in advising high-net-worth individuals with international assets and can advise how these would impact your cohabitation agreement. We would recommend allowing at least one month to enter into a cohabitation agreement although this can turn into a much lengthier process if both parties don’t agree.