With cohabitation awareness week and the announcement of the royal wedding, social media went absolutely crazy last week.
We were delighted when MP Chi Onwurah popped into our Newcastle Office to discuss her views on the subject of co-habitation.
As an MP, Chi often spends time with constituent’s who don’t have the means to pay for expensive legal battles in circumstances where they have not undertaken some protective planning. Many cohabitees living together do not realise the risks they may face in the unfortunate event of separation.
The recommendations we make, until such time as the law changes, are below. Hopefully, they will come a little sooner a result of the hard work and efforts of legal professionals raising the profile of cohabitation awareness week.
What can you do?
There are different options available to you and you should seek professional advice to consider the following:
- A cohabitation agreement; a legal document which will set out both partners’ intentions around property, finances and how they would support their children if they split.
- If acquiring property jointly, ensure both names are on the deeds to the house, and enter into a declaration of trust if parties intend to own in unequal shares.
- Take out life insurance
- Creating a will.
Awareness is key and by taking precautions early on, a couple can avoid arguments and potentially costly court fees.
If you need to speak to someone about a co-habitation agreement, contact Louisa Bestford at lbestford@jacksons-law.com or 0191 2069617.
