Pending reform (which is not high on the political agenda), if you are not getting married but intend to live together, it is a good idea to make a cohabitation agreement before you move in. As with a prenup, this process helps you think through potential future scenarios around how to sort things out if the relationship breaks down. This is particularly important if the property in which you live or are about to acquire is intended to be owned in unequal shares – a common situation where one party is making a much greater contribution (sometimes with financial assistance from parents/grandparents).

If the relationship does break down, we will guide you through what can be a complicated process. We advise on disputes over property ownership after separation, as well as financial claims which are often brought by one parent on behalf of children for housing and maintenance. Where necessary we will bring in our wealth planning, trust and property colleagues to help resolve tax issues and to assist in setting up appropriate structures for you and your children.

We will work quickly with you to establish the best means of resolving the dispute and will draw on the skills of our leading mediators, arbitrators and collaborative lawyers to help you avoid having to go to court, if this is best for you.