Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors
If you plan to live with your partner without being married, a cohabitation agreement can give you a level of certainty when it comes to matters such as finances and children. Unmarried couples have far fewer rights than married ones, and an agreement is a way to protect yourself for the future.
Making a cohabitation agreement, also referred to as an unmarried couples agreement, can help you and your partner discuss difficult matters upfront and reduce the risk of conflict and misunderstandings later on.
At JNP Legal, our experienced cohabitation agreement solicitors can work with you to establish how you wish to deal with issues, both during your time together and should you ever separate. We can draft a robust agreement and give you the advice and representation you need to safeguard your interests.
Contact our cohabitation agreement solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun
If you are considering living with someone or you have already moved in together, our expert cohabitation lawyers can provide legal assistance for cohabitation agreements and advice on protecting your rights. We are a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Cardiff and Nelson.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org, or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our Get in Touch form and we will respond to you quickly.
Our cohabitation agreement services
Drafting cohabitation agreements
We can draft a strong cohabitation agreement that covers the issues that are important to you. This could include giving you a share of a property that is not held in your name.
Reviewing existing cohabitation agreements
If you have been given an agreement to sign, our expert family lawyers can provide independent advice on the terms and conditions. We will look at your financial position and discuss whether the document is in your best interests. Where necessary, we can negotiate on your behalf to ensure it adequately safeguards your position.
Property ownership and contribution advice
If your name is not on the title deeds to a property and you are not married to the legal owner, then it can be difficult to establish a legal interest in the property that you can rely on should you separate. We can discuss the best options, particularly if you will be contributing in some way. A contribution could be paying the household bills so that your partner can pay the mortgage, or paying for maintenance and upkeep of the property.
We can discuss transferring a property to joint names and ensure that, even if this is not done, your contributions are recognised in the event of a separation.
Cohabitation agreement disputes
Our cohabitation agreement solicitors can represent you if you are involved in a cohabitation dispute. We will assess the details of the agreement and advise you of your rights. Where necessary, we can ask the court to enforce the terms of the contract.
Frequently asked questions about cohabitation agreements
A cohabitation agreement, sometimes known as a living together agreement, is an agreement made between individuals who are not married but who will be moving in together.
When a cohabitation agreement is correctly drafted and executed, it forms a legally binding contract. You should both have independent legal advice before signing, enter into the agreement freely, and make full financial disclosure to each other. If your partner does not keep to the terms of the agreement, you will then have the option of claiming breach of contract.
Unmarried partners have very few rights compared to married couples. Assets generally belong to the person in whose name they are held. If you have contributed towards a property that is held in your partner’s name, it may be possible to make a claim under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. However, it is preferable to make a clear cohabitation agreement to avoid the need for this type of complex claim.
If you have separated from your partner and you believe you have an interest in a shared property, call us today, and we can discuss the next steps.
If you ask us to draft a cohabitation agreement on your behalf, we will work with you to create a bespoke document, tailored to your needs. Matters that are commonly dealt with in a cohabitation agreement include:
- How finances will be dealt with between you while you are together, including the payment of bills and responsibility for debts.
- Whether either party will have an interest in a shared property.
- What will happen to a property should you separate, including whether it will be sold, how you will agree on a valuation, what proportion of the sale proceeds each party will be entitled to, and whether either party has a right to buy the other out.
- Who owns assets acquired together.
- Financial provision for one party if they have given up a job to raise a family.
- Ownership of pets.
The cost of a cohabitation agreement will depend on its complexity and how much negotiation is required. If you would like a quote for a cohabitation agreement, please call us today, and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Where the parties are able to deal with financial disclosure and agree on the terms of an agreement promptly, a cohabitation agreement can be finalised within weeks.
If valuations are needed or there are protracted negotiations, then it could take substantially longer.
Why choose JNP Legal’s Family team?
Our family team includes expert cohabitation solicitors who can represent you in ensuring that you have the security you need for the future. We always aim to deal with matters amicably, resolving disputes out of court wherever possible.
We are accredited by the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal service. We also hold Lexel accreditations for our outstanding practice management, reflecting our commitment to client care and risk management.
We pride ourselves on securing the most favourable outcome for our clients each time, finding a resolution promptly and at competitive prices. To obtain legal assistance for cohabitation agreements, call us today.
Contact our cohabitation agreement solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun
If you would like to put a cohabitation agreement in place, our cohabitation agreement specialists are here to assist. We are a regional law firm with offices at Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Cardiff and Nelson.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org, or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our Get in Touch form and we will respond to you quickly.