Cohabitation Agreement Lawyers Glasgow
Moving in with your partner is an exciting time. For expert legal advice on cohabitation and issues relating to living with a partner, contact our friendly lawyers on 0141 280 2922 or complete our online enquiry form.
Our team of family law experts can assist you with any cohabitation related questions you may have. During your free telephone consultation we will listen to your situation and offer some advice about what your next steps should be.
What is Cohabitation?
It is becoming more and more common for couples to decide to live together but not marry. In law, this is described as cohabitation. Whilst this does not create the same legal relationship as marriage, it is recognised in law.
Depending on circumstances, cohabiting couples who separate may be able to make claims on the property that was accrued during their cohabitation. There may also be childcare and financial costs that need to be settled after the breakdown of a relationship.
If a couple cohabitates and one of them dies, the surviving cohabitee can make a claim on the deceased’s estate. For this reason, you may wish to consider the impact cohabitation will have upon your estate when you die. It is reassuring to know that your wishes have been communicated so contact our experienced solicitors about making a will.
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A cohabitation agreement is a legal document similar to a prenuptial agreement. This sets out what will happen in the event that the cohabiting couple separate.
Significant adjustments will have been made in order to live with another person, and this may also lead to finances becoming intertwined. It is also possible that each party to the relationship contributes differently to their life as a cohabiting couple, e.g. one party owns the property that the couple lives in, while the other makes significant contributions to the payment of household bills. If a cohabiting couple decided to separate, attempting to make sure that each party can move on from the relationship with a fair share of their investment of time, money and property can involve unnecessary court involvement.
The courts can become involved in attempting to distribute property between previously cohabiting couples, but this can be a long process, which may not necessarily provide for a distribution that is to either party's satisfaction. A cohabitation agreement, on the other hand, leaves decision-making power with the couple who decide to create one. Each party will be able to discuss, either prior to or at the end of their relationship as a cohabiting couple, what is to be done with their respective assets. This can include provisions for:
- Property accumulated before entering into the relationships should be retained by its respective owners;
- Parties will continue to share in the financial obligations that they owe, e.g. household bills; and
- Savings that had been accumulating in a joint bank account should be distributed equally among the parties.
Why Get a Cohabitation Agreement?
A cohabitation agreement allows cohabiting couples the opportunity to plan for the breakdown of the relationship before it happens. Moving in with someone and starting your life together is an exciting time and it may seem strange to plan for the end of the relationship. A cohabitation agreement avoids the need for long, drawn out negotiations and reduces the chance of arguments over property between people at a time when emotions may be particularly fragile.
Expert Cohabitation Agreement Advice From Austin Lafferty Solicitors
Family Law Glasgow have many years of experience of advising on, and creating Cohabitation Agreements. We take great pride in providing an accessible and friendly service that is delivered with professionalism and tact.
If you would like to know more about Cohabitation Agreements, call us on 0141 280 2922 or complete our online enquiry form.
