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How to talk to your partner about making a cohabitation agreement

During the cost-of-living crisis, many of us may be considering cohabiting with a partner for the first time to share the costs, but also to begin a new chapter in life together.

If you are considering cohabiting, it is important to enter into a cohabitation agreement to ensure a smooth route to a successful living arrangement.

What is a cohabitation agreement?

Cohabiting families are the fastest-growing type of family in the UK, and yet many couples are unaware of the limited legal rights that they have should something happen to their partner or if the relationship breaks down.

Cohabitation agreements are often made between unmarried partners who wish to live together.

The agreement will set out how to share finances, what happens if one person becomes ill, how rents or other financial commitments will need to be paid and how the individuals intend to share their assets.

For the agreement to be valid, it must be entered into freely, be in the form of a deed, be signed by each person and be kept up to date with major life changes. Each party should also seek independent legal advice beforehand.

How do I ask my partner to make a cohabitation agreement?

If you want to enter into a cohabitation agreement, asking your partner can be challenging and feel unromantic.

However, you should assure them that there are many benefits to making a cohabitation agreement, such as providing certainty during certain scenarios that might offer peace of mind.

Other benefits include reducing the possibility of disputes, freedom to arrange one’s own finances and avoiding financial repercussions of another party’s actions.

Cohabitation agreements are aimed at unmarried couples, who have far fewer legal rights than married couples or civil partnerships, and thus are an important contract to obtain.

If you need advice on related matters, contact us today.

Mander Hadley

Mander Hadley Solicitors is not only a long established firm, but is vibrant and successful, with a forward thinking approach.