Unmarried couples who live together do not have the same rights as a married couple, so if your relationship breaks down or one partner dies, there are different legal implications. It is therefore essential to have concise and up-to-date information on cohabitation law to ensure your legal rights, property and finances are protected.
For legal advice from experienced family law solicitors regarding cohabitation or cohabitation disputes, please contact us on 01420 558 295 or complete a free online enquiry.
You and your partner may decide to live together without ever getting married or forming a civil partnership, and that is your right to do so. However, without specific legal documents, there is a lack of legal protection if you separate or if one partner dies.
Our cohabitation law solicitors can ensure you fully understand your legal rights, guiding you through every aspect of your situation and finding the right solution. For cohabiting couples, a range of written documents can protect you and help minimise disputes if your relationship breaks down or one of you dies.
Our solicitors have the expertise you need to protect your rights, advising on documents such as:
• Declarations of trust
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Wills
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
When a cohabiting couple is experiencing a relationship breakdown, assets will not be divided in the same way as in a divorce or civil partnership dissolution. Therefore, disputes surrounding matters such as property and finances will need to be resolved by applying the relevant law surrounding trusts and property. Being involved in a dispute with a former partner can be highly stressful, especially if you do not have a cohabitation agreement or declaration of trust in place.
Issues can quickly escalate, causing lengthy and stressful disputes which may end up in court if not handled carefully. Our specialist cohabitation dispute team has the knowledge and expertise to advise on various issues between cohabitants, including financial disagreements, disputes over property and financial provision for children. We can also advise on inheritance and claims for financial provision.
At Bookers & Bolton, our aim will always be to resolve cohabitation disputes out of court using alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law methods. However, if litigation is necessary, our family lawyers are on hand to guide you through the process to either initiate or defend an application to the court. We will work with you to ensure your legal rights are protected, resolving your dispute as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Bookers & Bolton have been advising unmarried couples and families in Alton and Hampshire for many years about their rights, responsibilities and entitlements when their relationship breaks down – especially where children are involved.
Our cohabitation solicitors have extensive experience drafting and negotiating cohabitation agreements and other related documents such as declarations of trust, pre-nuptial, or post-nuptial agreements. We can also provide expert advice regarding all types of cohabitation disputes, especially those that involve the complexities and sensitivities where property and children are involved.
To speak to one of our expert cohabitation and cohabitation dispute resolution solicitors, please contact us on 01420 558 295 or complete a free online enquiry, and we will be in touch.
For legal advice from experienced family law solicitors, please contact us on 01420 558 295 or complete a free online enquiry, and we will be in touch.
Paul Wilson
Partner & Head of Family
Profile