Couples who decide to live together should consider entering a written “living together” agreement to regulate financial and other arrangements during cohabitation, and to set out what is intended if they should separate. The lawyers at Prince McCulloch can advise on and prepare such agreements if required; this can be of particular importance because, contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing in law as a “common law wife”; if cohabitees separate, strict property laws are applied, and the Court can declare what your respective rights are, but cannot adjust those rights as it could in the case of a married couple.

If you are cohabiting, and then you separate, you will need expert legal advice because, in the absence of a clear written agreement, complex legal rules will be applied to decide on your entitlement.