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Family Law

Cohabitation Solicitors in Solihull

When buying a property as an unmarried couple, you should always take steps to protect yourself in the event of a relationship breakdown.

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If you are moving in together or already share a home, we can prepare a cohabitation agreement that records your financial arrangements and what you agree should happen if you separate.

More and more couples are choosing cohabitation over marriage or a civil partnership. If you purchase property together, you could run into trouble should you decide to separate. A cohabitation agreement provides clarity and oversight as to who owns what.

We work with unmarried couples to reach cohabitation agreements that protect both parties. A cohabitation agreement is essential for unmarried couples who have purchased property together. Although the terms of the property deed provide some protection, a cohabitation agreement goes beyond attributing ownership. Our family law solicitors can draft this type of agreement. If the relationship breaks down, a cohabitation agreement provides protection and a clear path to separating your assets.

How can our cohabitation solicitors help you?

Our cohabitation solicitors in Solihull prepare agreements around your circumstances and advise on your property rights if your relationship ends. We explain the proposed terms so you understand the commitments you are making before you sign. Our work covers the following.

  • We prepare cohabitation agreements that set out your financial responsibilities while you live together and record how you intend to deal with property and belongings if you separate.
  • We advise on proposed agreements, including terms your partner has suggested, so you understand how they affect your rights and financial commitments.
  • We advise on property contributions, including unequal deposits or money spent on improvements, and on recording your intentions alongside an appropriate declaration of trust.
  • We record how you will share household expenses, including your contributions to the mortgage or rent and what should happen if either of your incomes changes.
  • We set out how you will repay joint debts between you and advise on checking those commitments against your loan agreement before either of you takes on further borrowing.
  • We record how you will treat savings and belongings, including money in joint accounts and purchases you make together, and which assets you intend to keep separately.
  • We advise on separation disputes about ownership of your home, including applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 to establish your share or seek a sale.
  • We review your agreement when your circumstances change, including a house move or plans to marry, so you can consider whether the arrangements still reflect your intentions.

Why choose Pearcelegal Solicitors for cohabitation advice?

We bring family law and civil litigation experience to cohabitation advice, covering written agreements and disputes over property when a relationship ends. You can also obtain advice from us on making or amending your Will. A cohabitation agreement does not replace a Will, and we can consider how your plans for your home fit with what you want to leave your partner.

We offer a free initial 30-minute consultation to discuss your circumstances and the advice you need. You can use the meeting to explain what you want the agreement to achieve and ask about the likely work involved. We can then provide a no-obligation quote.

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If you want to agree how you will share a home or need advice following a separation, contact our cohabitation team to arrange your free initial consultation.

Page updated: 3rd November 2026

Frequently asked questions

Will I inherit if my partner dies without a Will?

No, you have no automatic inheritance entitlement under the intestacy rules. Jointly owned assets may pass to you depending on the ownership arrangements. You may seek provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, including through two years of qualifying cohabitation immediately before death or financial dependence. The court decides whether to make an award, so making a Will remains advisable.

What happens if we separate and have children?

Both parents remain responsible for supporting their children after separation. Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 allows applications for certain financial provision, which can include housing for a child. Having children together does not automatically give you a share of your partner's assets. We can advise on financial support for your children and discuss arrangements for where they live.

Can I claim a share of a house in my partner's name?

Yes, you may be able to claim if evidence establishes a beneficial interest, meaning a financial stake in the property. Moving in or paying household bills does not automatically give you ownership. We examine any agreement about ownership and evidence of contributions or actions taken in reliance on a shared understanding.

Can we make an agreement after moving in together?

Yes, you can make a cohabitation agreement after moving in together, particularly where your financial arrangements have changed or were never written down. You can record what each of you owns and how you will share expenses. We review any existing property documents to ensure the agreement matches the ownership arrangements already in place.

Are cohabitation agreements legally binding?

Yes, a cohabitation agreement can be legally binding if it meets the requirements of a valid contract and is properly signed. Both of you should disclose your finances and take independent legal advice. Pressure to sign or misleading information can lead to a challenge. We explain the terms and any signing formalities that apply to your agreement.

Our specialists in Cohabitation Rights & Agreements

Nicholas Thomas

Managing Director

Stephanie Howard

Director, Solicitor and Head of Department for Family and Litigation

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