Cohabitation Agreements

Planning Ahead When Living Together

Practical Financial Planning for Living Together

A cohabitation agreement allows couples who live together, or plan to live together, to set out clear arrangements for their finances, property and shared responsibilities. It can record how the home is owned or occupied, how bills and mortgage payments are managed, what each person contributes, and how assets, debts and practical matters should be dealt with if the relationship later comes to an end. For unmarried couples, it provides clarity from the outset and helps ensure that both people understand where they stand.

How I Can Help

Providing measured, professional guidance throughout the process, ensuring cohabitation agreements are carefully prepared and appropriately structured.

I assist with:

Preparation of cohabitation agreements
Advice on the property ownership and financial contributions
Recording arrangements around deposits, mortgage payments, household expenses, and jointly owned assets
Structuring agreements where one party owns the property or contributions are unequal
Working alongside the other party’s solicitor to finalise terms

A Considered Approach

Cohabitation agreements require careful preparation and clear discussion.

The process typically involves considering each person’s financial position, property ownership, contributions, responsibilities, and what should happen if circumstances change.

Handled properly, these agreements provide reassurance, clarity, and a strong foundation for future financial arrangements.

Discuss Your Situation

If you would like to explore whether a cohabitation agreement is appropriate for your circumstances, an introductory discussion can be arranged.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement & Who is it For?

A cohabitation agreement is a written document between two people who live together or are planning to. It sets out clearly how you both intend to manage your finances, property, and responsibilities while you are together and what should happen if you later separate.

Why Consider a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement helps unmarried couples clearly record how property, finances, responsibilities, and future separation arrangements should be handled. It provides practical clarity, reduces uncertainty, and helps both parties understand where they stand if circumstances change.

Practical Considerations, Risk, & Final Thoughts

A cohabitation agreement is not about expecting a relationship to fail. It is about being clear, fair, and prepared.

By setting out your intentions in advance, you can reduce uncertainty, protect what matters to you, and focus on building your life together with confidence.

Elizabeth Stocker - Consultant Solicitor

Elizabeth is a highly experienced family law solicitor with over 17 years’ expertise in pre & post nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, separation, divorce, civil partnership, child arrangements and financial matters. She provides clear, practical advice with a calm and supportive approach, helping clients navigate what can sometimes be complex situations with confidence. Elizabeth focuses on achieving constructive outcomes that reflect each client’s unique circumstances.

Learn more...

Where financial arrangements arising from relationships are not clearly defined, uncertainty follows.

Elizabeth Stocker is a consultant family law solicitor who undertakes legal work on agreements and financial settlements arising from relationships. Her work includes pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, and financial arrangements on separation, dissolution or divorce.

Clients seek her services where financial matters require careful structure and proper legal handling.

If you would like to discuss your situation, please complete the form to request an introductory appointment.