Need to design a Living Together agreement?
General information on our range of legal services for married and unmarried couples. Ensure you go into any commitment with expert guidance from Brockbanks Solicitors – supporting Cumbria for decades, from our offices in Whitehaven, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Workington, and Keswick.
Protecting your peace of mind
“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised” ~ Denis Waitley. Just because you are being sensible and thinking ahead doesn’t mean that you have lost your spark or ruined the romance. Life can be full of the unexpected, and we have found that having agreements in place can provide peace of mind in case the worst should happen.
A Living Together Agreement provides clarity and a clear understanding of your financial and legal responsibilities in a partnership. This is ideal for cohabiting couples at any stage of their relationship, whether you’re buying a home together, sharing bills, or raising children. Working with Brockbanks Solicitors ensures you can do these things with mutual understanding and legal protection.
Putting your future on firm footing
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales. Unmarried couples do not enjoy the same legal rights as those who are married or in civil partnerships. This can lead to serious complications if a relationship breaks down or if one partner becomes ill or passes away.
A Living Together Agreement is a formal document that outlines your financial responsibilities, property ownership, and arrangements for children or shared assets. It allows couples to agree on terms before any disputes arise, reducing stress and potential legal battles later on.
What does this service include?
Tailored legal advice: Every relationship is unique, so we take time to understand your specific needs and goals.
Drafting and reviewing agreements: We create legally robust agreements that reflect your wishes and provide clarity on property, finances, and shared responsibilities.
Support during negotiation: We offer calm, professional guidance to help both parties feel heard and fairly treated.
Advice on related legal issues: We can advise on Wills, property ownership (joint tenants or tenants in common), and how the agreement fits into your long-term plans.
Future-proofing your relationship: A clear agreement now can prevent misunderstandings later and offer reassurance to both parties.Get in touch
Frequently asked questions
What is a living together agreement?
A living together agreement is a formal document that sets out your financial and legal responsibilities as a couple, including property ownership and arrangements for children or shared assets. It is another name for a cohabitation agreement. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we draft it to reflect your wishes and give both of you clarity for the future.
Does a living together agreement mean we don't trust each other?
Not at all — planning sensibly for the future doesn’t take the romance out of a relationship, it simply means you both know where you stand. Many couples find it brings reassurance rather than worry. We approach these conversations calmly and professionally, so both partners feel heard and fairly treated.
Do unmarried couples have legal protection without an agreement?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as common law marriage in England and Wales, so unmarried couples do not enjoy the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners. This can cause serious complications if a relationship breaks down or a partner becomes ill or passes away. A living together agreement helps protect you both before any difficulty arises.
When should we put a living together agreement in place?
It suits cohabiting couples at any stage, but it is especially worth doing when you are buying a home together, sharing bills, or raising children. Agreeing terms early, before any dispute arises, reduces stress later. Our team helps you put it in place at the right moment for your relationship.
What does a living together agreement cover?
It typically sets out property ownership, financial responsibilities, and arrangements for children or shared assets, and it can be tailored to your particular circumstances. We can also advise on related matters such as wills and how property is owned, whether as joint tenants or tenants in common. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we make sure the agreement fits your wider long-term plans.
Can a living together agreement be used by married couples too?
These agreements are mainly designed for cohabiting couples, but we advise both married and unmarried couples on protecting their position, and can point you to the right document for your situation. The aim is always to give you legal clarity and reassurance. Speak to our family law team and we’ll guide you to the option that fits.
Get your Living Together agreement in place
Discuss your situation with the experts at Brockbanks Solicitors. Call our Whitehaven office now on 01946 692194