A Cohabitation Agreement, sometimes called a Living Together Agreement, is a document that records how an unmarried couple share their finances and sets out their wishes around things like property and childcare. For LGBT couples building a life together, it offers clear protection should the relationship ever break down. Our family law team at Brockbanks Solicitors can help you prepare one that reflects your real circumstances.

The law around same-sex parents can be more complicated, particularly when it comes to who has parental responsibility and the role of a child’s biological parents. That is exactly why getting tailored advice early matters so much. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we specialise in LGBT family law and help you understand your rights clearly before you make important decisions.

No — despite progress in equality law, unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners, regardless of sexual orientation. The idea of a “common law marriage” is a myth, which can leave cohabiting partners vulnerable if they separate. A Cohabitation Agreement is one way to put clear protection in place, and Brockbanks Solicitors can guide you through your options.

Parental responsibility is the legal authority to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, and how it is acquired can depend on your circumstances, including how the child was conceived and whether you are married or in a civil partnership. Because the rules vary, it is worth confirming where you stand. Our team can talk you through your position and help you secure parental responsibility where needed.

An agreement can record financial arrangements, property ownership, and wishes relating to specific commitments and future childcare arrangements. By setting out each partner’s responsibilities, it helps avoid confusion and conflict at what would already be an emotional time. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances so the agreement genuinely fits your relationship.

It helps to think early about who will have parental responsibility, the role any biological parents will play, and the legal impact of adoption. Getting full advice before you start means you go in with your rights and your child’s interests clearly in mind. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we support same-sex couples through exactly these considerations.

To give your agreement the best chance of holding up if you separate, it’s best to have it written up by a solicitor who can also advise you on it. Our family law team includes Resolution members who prepare these agreements constructively, following strict codes of practice. With Brockbanks Solicitors, you can be confident the agreement is prepared properly and with care.

As with any separation, the focus is on resolving arrangements for your children sensibly and with sensitivity, always centred on what is best for them. Many couples assume they will need to go to court, but that is often not the case. Wherever possible, we’ll help you reach an amicable solution that works for everyone, outside the courtroom.

Putting an agreement in place isn’t a sign of doubt — it’s sensible planning that gives both partners reassurance. Even the most loving relationship can face unexpected complications, and having clear terms agreed in advance avoids difficult disputes later. Brockbanks Solicitors helps couples have open, respectful conversations and turn them into a clear, protective agreement.

Yes — the legal position can differ between female and male same-sex couples, particularly around parental rights and how parenthood is established. These distinctions can be confusing, which is why specialist advice is so valuable. Our family law team can explain how the rules apply to your specific situation.