As a cohabitee you do not have the same automatic rights to property and assets as you would if you were married.
If the property you are living in is owned in the sole name of your partner, to be entitiled to claim a share you will need to show that you have made a financial contribution to its purchase, or carried out renovations to the building or contributed in some way to the building of an extension, or there is a common intention (evidenced by an agreement) that you have an interest in the property and you have relied on that to your detriment.
A Cohabitation Agreement specifies what happens to you and your partner's finances if the relationship breaks down.Whilst it's not legally binding the Courts are placing greater weight on the contents of the Agreement and these can be dealt with between you with one of our Collaborative Lawyers.
It is a common misconception that, after living together for a while, a couple become 'common-law husband and wife' with much the same rights as married couples. Until new laws are introduced to cover cohabiting couples who seperate a Cohabitation Agreement offers you and your partner the best protection.
We can advise you on the preperation of a Cohabitation Agreement. Please contact a member of our team for further advice.