0161 434 0600
Family Law Services
Cohabitation Agreements
Clear legal agreements for couples who live together or plan to.
We offer clarity, protection and peace of mind.
Cohabiting couples don’t have the same legal protections as married couples. That can lead to uncertainty if the relationship ends, especially when property or finances are involved.
Whether you’re planning to move in together, or you’ve already built a shared life, a Cohabitation Agreement can help clarify rights, responsibilities, and expectations, both now and in the future. It can also make separation more straightforward if things change later on.
At Didsbury Family Law, we help cohabiting couples understand their legal position and prepare written agreements that offer clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
Why a Cohabitation Agreement matters
When one partner owns the home or contributes more financially, it’s important to understand how that might be viewed later, particularly if circumstances change. Many people wrongly assume that long-term cohabitation gives them the same rights as a spouse, but in legal terms, this is not the case.
A well-drafted Cohabitation Agreement can set out:
- Who owns what, including the home and any jointly owned assets
- How financial contributions will be recognised
- How bills, mortgage payments or renovations are shared
- What happens if the relationship ends or someone moves out
- Optional arrangements around shared children
While it’s not romantic, it is practical and for many couples, it can actually strengthen trust by helping avoid misunderstandings down the line.
Planning ahead and preparing for change
Some couples come to us before moving in together, keen to clarify the financial side of things from the start. Others have already been living together for years and want to formalise their understanding in case anything changes.
In either situation, a Cohabitation Agreement is a valuable way to avoid uncertainty and plan ahead.
And if a couple later decides to separate, a similar document a Separation Agreement can be used to confirm what will happen to shared property and finances. We frequently help clients with both types of agreement, depending on what stage of life they’re in.
How we can help
We offer a full legal service for:
- Drafting new Cohabitation Agreements tailored to your situation
- Advising on agreements prepared by another solicitor
- Storing signed agreements securely, at no extra charge
You’ll deal directly with one of our experienced family solicitors, never passed from person to person and we’ll guide you through each step with clarity and respect.
Fixed-Fee Consultations – We offer an initial family law consultation for a fixed fee of £120 inc VAT
This meeting, which lasts around an hour, gives you the chance to speak confidentially with a solicitor about your situation, options, and next steps. You’re under no pressure to proceed and sometimes, a single session is all that’s needed to move forward with clarity.
Cohabitation Agreements FAQs
They’re not automatically enforceable like a court order, but if properly drafted and signed freely with legal advice, courts will usually uphold them especially where the terms are fair and clearly agreed.
Any couple who lives together and wants clarity around finances, ownership, or future plans. They’re especially useful if only one partner owns the property, or if either of you is contributing in ways that may later lead to misunderstandings.
Yes. While not legally binding, many couples record informal understandings around parenting or financial support in their agreement. We’ll advise you on whether that’s suitable or if a formal arrangement might be more appropriate.
Not at all. Many people formalise agreements well into their relationship especially when making major financial decisions, buying property, or starting a family.
Speak to a solicitor
Whether you’re just moving in together or want to make things clearer after years of living as a couple, we’re here to help.
Call 0161 434 0600, email info@didsburyfamilylaw.com, or request a call back to speak with one of our experienced family law solicitors in confidence.