Cohabitation Agreements

Our Family lawyers are currently offering a free, initial telephone consultation. You can start the process today by clicking here.

Why would someone need this service?

Co-habitation Agreements can be useful for unmarried couples who are thinking about living together. They are particularly important when parties already own property or have responsibilities to other people, such as their children. In these circumstances, they may wish to enter into a written agreement before starting to live together which will set out how any property is to be owned and, for example, whether they will both have rights over property that is owned by just one of them.

Once such an agreement has been entered into, the couple can live together knowing that in the event of the relationship breaking down, there is already a clear agreement on what should happen with any property.

How does the process work?

Each party must seek advice from a separate lawyer to ensure that their interests are fully protected and that there is no conflict of interest. Each lawyer takes full instructions from their client, especially in relation to financial matters, to ensure that the agreement fully reflects their circumstances and wishes. One lawyer will then draft an agreement incorporating all of this information and send it to the other, who will then consider the agreement and either make amendment or approve it, based on instructions received from their client.

Once the agreement is approved by both parties, each must sign it and keep a copy, as it cannot be registered anywhere.

How long does it take?

Normally it should take about a month to complete a co-habitation agreement, as it will often be passed backwards and forwards between the two solicitors with various amendments being made to it before a final version is agreed. The process, however, can be completed more quickly if necessary, especially if the agreement is fairly simple and each party is in full agreement early on about what they want it to say.

Is it expensive? How do the costings work?

Your first consultation with us will be for a fixed fee of £100 + VAT for a face-to-face consultation of up to one hour. When we have established the level of service that is required based on your personal circumstances, we will provide you with a estimate for our acting for you from that point onwards.

What should people consider before calling?

Before calling Grant Saw, potential clients should consider whether they want to regulate how they live in this way. They should always remember that the agreement could be held against them in the future if their circumstances change.

Why are Grant Saw the best people for the job?

At Grant Saw we have experienced lawyers who specialise in this area. Therefore, our clients can be sure that they will receive a comprehensive, personal service from a lawyer who can advise them fully on the implications of their decisions.

For more information or to discuss a specific family matter, please email family@grantsaw.co.uk or contact the team on 020 8858 6971 today.

We are currently offering a free, initial telephone consultation. Feel free to contact us or leave your details here and a member of the team will contact you at a time that suits.