Cohabiting Couples
For cohabiting couples, the law does not always offer the same protections as marriage. DPP Law’s family solicitors can provide clear advice on your rights and help you put legal agreements in place to safeguard your future.
As an unmarried couple living together under the same roof, some legal matters may be a little less clearly delineated than if you were officially wed. However, deciding not to make your arrangement legally binding should not affect the ability to exercise your rights.
Fewer people are getting married year on year, with many couples opting to use their savings for other purposes – so yours will by no means be an unprecedented case. Whether you are at the point of moving in together, a number of years into cohabitation or coming to the end of your relationship and looking into dividing your assets, it may be that you will require some legal assistance when it comes to understanding your rights and any particular legislation that relates to your particular circumstances.
Unmarried individuals struggling with stressful and emotional issues such as the death or serious illness of their partner or matters surrounding child contact after a breakup may be troubled to discover that a “common law marriage” is not something that is currently recognised by the courts.
However, by setting aside the time to talk to a legal adviser and put together a document known as a “Cohabitation Agreement” – where matters relating to the ownership of property and assets, along with any arrangements regarding child guardianship and support, can be covered – is a great way of circumventing any barrier that may be presented to you further down the line if you have decided against tying the knot.
You can also create a “Separation Agreement”, which sets out the procedure that is to be followed should your relationship end, from the payment of any maintenance to the division of your worldly goods.
Both of the aforementioned documents are enforceable by law, meaning that any legal grey areas you might encounter are easily cleared up.
Why DPP?
With more than three decades’ worth of experience behind us within family law, DPP Law are the perfect choice when planning your future or working out the best steps to take.
How Our Family Law Solicitors help
DPP Law can help you to draw up either of the aforementioned agreements in a way that suits both parties in a cohabiting couple perfectly fairly. We will treat every unique case with sensitivity and understanding, so you know you’ll be in the safest of hands.
For further advice, contact DPP Law today.
Our family law solicitors can also help with:
Contact Us
Related Services
FAQs
Seek legal advice immediately and avoid discussing the allegation with your partner. Do not attend a police interview without a solicitor, and follow any bail or protective conditions if the police become involved.
Yes. Police can arrest you if they have reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed, even before full evidence is gathered. This is common in situations involving partner safety.
You may be removed from the home or prevented from returning if the police impose bail conditions or if protective orders are put in place. These restrictions can apply even before any charge is made.
Yes. False or exaggerated allegations sometimes arise during arguments, break-ups, or financial or childcare disputes. A solicitor can help challenge inconsistencies and gather evidence to support your account.
Penalties depend on the offence and may include fines, community orders, imprisonment, and restraining orders. Even without a conviction, protective orders or bail conditions can restrict contact and access to the home.
Allegations can affect child contact and living arrangements. Social services may become involved, and the family court may restrict or supervise contact until the situation is assessed and any risks are understood.