Cohabitation Agreements

Increasingly people chose to live together but not to marry. A common misconception is that simply by living together for a period of time cohabiting couples will enjoy a legal status similar to that of a married couple - a  ‘common law’ marriage.

In truth cohabitees have few rights and in order to prevent the problems which follow from the break-up of a partnership or death of a partner we advise that the parties enter into a cohabitation agreement to record their intentions as to the distribution of assets in the event of the relationship ending. Any cohabitation agreement should be considered in tandem with your will

An agreement is especially advisable when either of the partners are contributing different amounts of capital when buying a house or paying the mortgage.

Where a cohabitation agreement has been legally prepared and completed this will help to avoid lengthy, contested court hearings should the relationship fail or following the death of one of the partners.

Rees Page have one of the most highly respected family teams in the Midlands and are experienced in advising and helping clients to draw up cohabitation agreements. Our knowledge and experience of this complex area of law will help to give effect to your wishes and to protect your interests and your financial assets