Call us on 08455 435 700
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Call us on 08455 435 700
Request A Callback
At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we understand that modern relationships take many forms. While marriage remains popular, many couples choose to live together without formalising their relationship through marriage or civil partnership.
Despite common misconceptions, there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales. This means cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners, regardless of how long they’ve lived together or whether they have children.
Our experienced family law solicitors can help protect your interests with tailored legal advice for cohabiting couples. Please contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700 for advice.
Living Together Agreements
A Living Together Agreement (also known as a Cohabitation Agreement) is a legally binding document that sets out arrangements for finances, property, and other assets while you live together and if you separate. This agreement provides clarity and security for both parties.
Our solicitors can help you:
Cohabitation Separation
If your relationship ends, the legal process can be complex without the framework that marriage provides. Our solicitors provide compassionate, practical advice to help you navigate this challenging time.
We can assist with:
Property Ownership
We work closely with our property team to provide comprehensive advice on:
Don’t leave your future to chance. Our family law solicitors can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.
With offices strategically located across Essex, including Billericay, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, and Sudbury, and in London, we are always within reach to offer tailored assistance that meets your specific needs.
Please contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700 for a guaranteed response.
With over 40 years’ experience, Fisher Jones Greenwood is a long-established Essex Solicitors. With nine offices around Essex, Suffolk and London. Phone us on 08455 435 700 or email us and we’ll call you back to arrange a meeting with a solicitor or lawyer.
Request A CallbackIs there such a thing as a "common law marriage"?
Despite widespread belief, there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales. Unmarried couples who live together do not y have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners, regardless of how long they’ve been together or whether they have children.
Do I need a Living Together Agreement if we own our property as joint tenants?
Yes, it’s still advisable. While joint tenancy gives each of you equal ownership rights, a Living Together Agreement can address broader financial arrangements, contributions to the property, and what happens in the event of separation. It provides clarity beyond the property ownership structure.
Can we make a Living Together Agreement if we're already living together?
Absolutely. You can create a Living Together Agreement at any stage of your relationship. Whether you’re about to move in together or have been cohabiting for years, it’s never too late to put formal arrangements in place.
What happens to our property if we separate and only one of us is the legal owner?
If only one partner owns the property, the non-owning partner may have limited rights. However, they might be able to claim a beneficial interest if they’ve made direct financial contributions to the property or can demonstrate a common intention that they should have a share. This is a complex area of law, and professional legal advice is essential.
How much does a Living Together Agreement cost?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your circumstances and the issues being addressed. At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we offer transparent pricing and can provide a clear quote after an initial consultation. The investment in a properly drafted agreement is typically far less than the potential costs of resolving disputes later.
Are Living Together Agreements legally binding?
When properly drafted by a solicitor with both parties receiving independent legal advice, Living Together Agreements are generally legally binding. To ensure enforceability, the agreement must be entered into voluntarily, with full financial disclosure, and without undue influence.
What should we include in our Living Together Agreement?
A comprehensive agreement typically covers:
How do I protect my share of our home if we're not married?
Options include having a Declaration of Trust drafted alongside your property purchase, registering your interests at the Land Registry, and creating a comprehensive Living Together Agreement. Our solicitors can advise on the best approach for your specific situation.
What rights do I have if my partner dies and we're not married?
Unmarried partners do not inherit from each other if one dies without a will. To protect yourself and your partner, it is crucial to make a will. You might also consider life insurance policies and ensuring property is owned as joint tenants if you want your share to automatically pass to your partner.
If you have any comments on the contents of the family pages of this website or if there is anything else that you think would be helpful for us to include in the future, please contact us on 0845 543 5700 or via our online enquiry form.
We truly value and appreciate the feedback we receive from our clients, as we look to improve the services we offer on an ongoing basis
