Making The Leap? - Next Steps For Cohabiting Couples

• Published date: 26 April 2021
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Family and Matrimonial, Retirement, Superannuation & Pensions, Family Law
• Law Firm: Jones Myers
• Author: Mr Peter Jones

The tragic loss of life, challenges and restrictions resulting from the global pandemic have undoubtedly proved a turbulent and testing time for everyone.

This includes the thousands of couples who moved in together during lockdown for practical and financial reasons - and to reduce the risk of passing on the virus.

The emotional rollercoaster sparked by the pandemic has taken its toll on even the most robust relationships - not to mention its devastating economical impact.

Spring is symbolically a time of renewal and, as we readjust to our former lives and freedoms, we recommend couples who are continuing to live together to protect themselves should they break up.

Cohabiting couples are the fast growing family type in Britain - but, unlike married couples, they do not have any legal protection or rights if their relationship goes sour.

There are no automatic rights which protect financial issues which span savings, income, pensions and business interests and property. In 2020 the Mortgage Advice Bureau saw a 60% year-on-year rise in applications from cohabiting couples, indicating the lockdown had accelerated the moving in process for many.

We urge unmarried partners to consider a cohabitation or 'living together' agreement which sets out what they want to happen - both while they live together and if their relationship ends.

The agreement clarifies who owns what and in what proportion. It also includes how property will be divided and what will happen with...