Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate
Call us: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Advantages of cohabitation
-
Financial Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of cohabitation is the financial benefits it offers. Sharing living expenses such as rent, utilities, and food can significantly reduce the cost of living. Additionally, couples who live together may have a stronger bond and more commitment to each other than those who are just dating.
-
Testing Compatibility
Another benefit of cohabitation is that it can provide a way for couples to test their compatibility before getting married. Living together can give couples a better understanding of each other’s habits, quirks, and personalities, which can help them make a more informed decision about whether or not they want to get married.
-
Building Stronger Relationships
Living together can also strengthen relationships. Couples who cohabit learn to compromise, communicate better, and build trust with each other. This can help them navigate challenges that may arise in the future.
Disadvantages of cohabitation
Disadvantages of cohabitation
-
Lack of Legal Protection
One of the biggest disadvantages of cohabitation is the lack of legal protection for unmarried couples. Unlike married couples, cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights, such as the right to inherit a partner’s assets, access to a partner’s pension, or the right to make medical decisions on behalf of a partner.
-
Financial Disputes
While cohabiting can save money, it can also lead to financial disputes. Couples who cohabit may find it difficult to separate their finances, leading to disagreements about money.
-
Emotional Challenges
Living together can also present emotional challenges. Cohabiting couples may find it difficult to navigate boundaries, leading to conflict or a loss of privacy.
Cohabiting couples legal rights
Although cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples, they do have some legal protection. The term “common law marriage” is often used to describe the legal status of cohabiting couples, but it is important to note that this is not a recognised legal status in the UK.
However, cohabiting couples do have some legal rights, such as the right to make financial claims against each other in certain circumstances, the right to seek child maintenance, and the right to make a claim for a share of the property they have lived in together.
Making cohabitation work for you
In conclusion, cohabitation can be a great way for couples to save money, test their compatibility, and build a stronger relationship. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential legal and personal challenges that can arise when living together as an unmarried couple. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, communicating openly with your partner, and being prepared for any potential issues, cohabitation can be a rewarding and successful choice for many couples.
Talk to Stowe – specialist cohabitation solicitors
Our expert team of divorce, family and cohabitation lawyers will guide you through your relationship break-up.
Our expert divorce law solicitors frequently work with unmarried couples who have separated and will advise you on the most effective and efficient process for you, taking your circumstances into account.
Request Free Callback
Submit your details, and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation callback at a time to suit you. Please note that we cannot offer Legal aid.
Book Your Free Callback
- Enter your details
- Book your free, no-obligaton callback
Or call us now to speak to a member of the team immediately:
Please note that we cannot offer Legal aid.
“
”
What our clients say
Amy Turner at Stowe and Law solicitors has been working on dealing with my affairs through a divorce. Amy gave advice and support when needed and tells you as she sees it. Amy gave options through out the process at every stage that I could take without pushing me into an option and respects your decisions.
Amy worked tirelessly to achieve the aims that I asked her to deal with efficiently and professionally and wasted no time when receiving emails. Amy judging by the time of emails i received works long hours to achieve her targets. Amy is a pleasure to work with and will follow through on what she says she will do, you can rely on her to get the work done
I saw Sarah McLoughlin as part of my 'Next steps Meeting.'
Sarah was an excellent listener giving easy to understand information in a calm manner.
She broke down the next steps in a format that I felt empowered to undertake.
She was knowledgeable and friendly.
I was nervous at the start of the meeting but she was able to put my fears at ease and I finished the meeting feeling relieved and smiling.
Pooja Patel helped me through cases involving my children and divorce. She is very supportive and was very amazing and got the results needed in very difficult circumstances. I’m thankful l had Pooja at my side and do not know what l would have done without her.
Sarah was my brother’s divorce solicitor from beginning to end. She also dealt with me as my brother often found it difficult to comprehend all the legal terminology and needed help to source all the paper work that Sarah required. Sarah was so understanding and patient with my brother, always answering my phone calls immediately, even when she was on holiday with her family! She was extremely professional and highly committed throughout the difficult months of court hearings, constantly reassuring us when we could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would highly recommend her.
Harriet Donavan and her team were amazingly helpful throughout my protracted and painful divorce. She guided me through areas that I was not aware of and helped me get to the point where I was able to fight successfully for better equity and time with my kids.
The team you manage have been fantastic with my cases. I moved solicitors and I was very nervous at whether I had done the right thing as it was a big decision. But after meeting Jake and how he listened to me and his no nonsenses attitude which I needed, I felt a lot more at ease. And his quick turnaround to take my cases on to putting a CAO in place last Friday that Ella sorted out for me and kept me in the loop all the way until it was filled with the court. And today Michelle for jumping straight on things while Jake was on leave and getting Ella to deal with the issue where I found my wife was trying to sell sentimental items on Facebook marketplace. Ella quickly responded and dealt with the situation in my opinion perfectly, and the items have been taken down by her now, again she kept me in the loop every step of the way which I really need at the minute. You have an amazing team and I feel very well looked after and I now believe I will get what I and my girls need through all this I know it will take some time, but I have faith in your team you have and trust them.
Working with Nicole Turner, I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I feel I can speak honestly and openly with her about proposals and negotiating in a somewhat lengthy divorce process. She cuts through the bluster from the other side and informs and guides in a down to earth and clear way,
I'm not out of the woods yet but I know I'm in good hands. I appreciate Nicole's determination to avoid court as this is an unnecessary cost to all concerned.
Close
Newsletter Sign Up
Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.
Privacy Policy