I can highly recommend John Hirst at Laker Legal solicitors in Lancaster. He was superb from start to finish dealing with a very complex child arrangements case for me. A really decent guy and an excellent family law solicitor who genuinely cares about his clients. John was fully up to speed with my case at all times and we got the outcome we wanted.
Moving in with your partner is a significant decision to make and it’s important to consider the detrimental impact this could have on you financially, should your relationship, unfortunately end at a later date. To protect your future interests, our cohabitation agreement solicitors can provide proficient advice.
Even where couples have children together or have perhaps purchased co-owned property, many cohabiting couples fail to make any arrangements to regulate their relationship. Many wrongly assume that the law will look after them if things go wrong. For instance, believing that if one partner dies, they will receive everything.
Many couples believe that they will achieve “common law partner” status after being in an relationship for a number of years. However, the existence of the common law partner is in fact a myth. When you are in an unmarried relationship, you have very limited rights to each other financially in comparison to married couples or those in a civil partnership.
Our cohabitation agreement solicitors at Laker Legal recognise the sheer importance of protecting your assets and financial interests and can assist with drafting a cohabitation agreement, other known as a living together agreement. We can help you to create a document that’s suitable for your circumstances, preventing any problems should one of you pass away, or if the relationship comes to an end.
Our family law team have worked with a wide range of clients in all types of cohabitation agreement matters. No matter the situation or personal circumstances, our specialist team have the expertise to assist. We recognise discussing finances can be a tense topic and strive to keep the peace between partners, while reducing stress levels where possible.
Our cohabitation agreement solicitors in Preston, Lancaster & Maidstone can provide seasoned advice and expertise in matters including:
- Advising on the terms of a cohabitation agreement
- Drafting a cohabitation agreement
- Amending a cohabitation agreement
To reflect our outstanding quality, many solicitors in the family law team are members of the Family Accreditation Scheme and Resolution. All team members undertake robust professional development on a continuing basis to expand their knowledge and skills.
Contact our Specialist Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors
If you require cohabitation agreement legal advice, please get in touch with our team. Our head office is located in Lancaster, but we also have offices in Bath, Kings Hill, Maidstone and Preston for your convenience.
Simply complete our online contact form to request a call back. Our cohabitation solicitors can offer advice online via video conferencing, by phone or at one of our offices.
Our Cohabitation Agreement Expertise
Advising on the terms of a cohabitation agreement
If your partner presents you with a cohabitation agreement, you legally need to seek advice from a solicitor before signing it. Failing to do so means that the terms of the agreement will not be considered enforceable should you need to use it in the future.
Our solicitors can take the time to review the document, explaining anything you are unsure of, as well as answering your queries and concerns. Should you be unhappy with the terms set out in the agreement, our expert team can liaise and negotiate with your partner and their legal advisor. We can help you to find mutually agreed terms that are in the best interest of both of you and any children you share or have from previous relationships.
Drafting a cohabitation agreement
If you decide to proceed ahead with a cohabitation agreement, getting the expert assistance of a solicitor is essential to ensure everything is done correctly.
Our solicitors can help you in drafting a cohabitation agreement that accurately reflects your current situation and circumstances. We will ensure that you are aware of the agreement you are entering into, knowing both the benefits and limitations of it.
Amending a cohabitation agreement
Life circumstances can quickly change, so it is recommended to review your cohabitation agreement every few years to ensure it still aligns with your current circumstances. Examples of when the agreement may need updating include having children and purchasing property.
Our solicitors can review your document based on your circumstances and advise whether making amendments would be in your best interest. When amending the document, our solicitors will ensure the terms are suitable and would not negatively impact you should your relationship break down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cohabitation Agreements
What is a cohabitation agreement?
A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that sets out a number of matters during the relationship, should you or your partner die or if the relationship breaks down.
How much is a cohabitation agreement?
How much a cohabitation agreement costs depends on the individual cost of the solicitors you use to draft the agreement.
At Lakers Legal Solicitors, we offer fixed fee cohabitation agreements at £695 plus VAT.
How do you get a cohabitation agreement?
To obtain a cohabitation agreement that the court will legally enforce, the process needs to be done correctly. The court requires a number of factors to class a cohabitation agreement as legally binding, including:
- Both parties sought independent legal advice from solicitors
- Both parties disclosed their entire financial position
- Executed as a contract and signed by both parties
What can you include in a cohabitation agreement?
Cohabitation agreements typically include:
- Who owns property or land, and the share if jointly owned
- Possessions, including those solely and jointly owned
- Household bill contributions, including bills, rent or mortgage payments
- How property, land and assets will be split in the event of separation
- Who is responsible for debt repayments
- Next of kin rights
A cohabitation agreement can also detail other important aspects concerning any children you share, including child arrangements and child maintenance payments. It should, however, be noted that such an agreement will never oust the jurisdiction of either the Family Court or the Child Maintenance Service.
Contact our Specialist Cohabitation Agreement Solicitors
If you require cohabitation agreement legal advice, please get in touch with our team. Our head office is located in Lancaster, but we also have offices in Bath, Kings Hill, Maidstone York and Preston for your convenience.
Simply complete our online contact form to request a call back. Our cohabitation lawyers can offer advice online via video conferencing, by phone or at one of our offices.
