Marriage rates have decreased by 36.6% over the last 30 years
meaning there is an increasing number of couples choosing to
simply live together (cohabit) rather than getting married.
Problems arise in these situations, following separation, as they
do not have the same legal rights as married couples have against
each other.
If you own your own home and your partner has moved in, or is
about to move in, you should consider having a Living Together
Agreement. This sets out the terms of who will pay for the
mortgage and other utility bills and what will happen upon
separation – usually that the non-owning partner has not acquired
an interest in the property.
If you have lived with your partner in a property which they own,
and you have paid towards any renovation projects or made regular
payments towards the mortgage, you may be able to establish that
you have acquired an interest in the property.
We can offer specialist advice on this complicated area of law and
explain the process in a clear and simple way. These services are
available on hourly fee basis as every couples’ circumstances are
different.
Thinking of taking the next step in your relationship? Do you own
your own home and considering asking your partner to move in? If
you are a property owner, you may wish to have a Living Together
Agreement.
This agreement clarifies responsibilities in
terms of paying the household bills or contributing to the
mortgage, as well as detailing what will happen in the event of
separation.
The main purpose of having such an
Agreement is to protect you and your assets if you separate, as it
reduces the risk of your partner making a claim that having
contributed towards the mortgage or expenditure entitles them to
an interest in your property. Such claims can be expensive in the
long run.
