Cohabiting couples urged to consider ‘living together’ agreements during Covid-19 lockdown

By Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones  

Since the government advised dating couples to go into lockdown together to reduce the risk of passing on the virus, the Institute for Employment Studies estimates employment has plummeted to  two million during the first month of the crisis.

The loss of jobs on such a major scale will undoubtedly result in couples, whose relationship withstands the lockdown measures, moving in permanently together for practical and financial reasons to reduce the costs of running two homes. 

In these unprecedented times it is more vital than ever that cohabiting couples understand that they do not have the same legal rights as married couples in critical areas such as savings, income, pensions, business interests – and in particular, property.

Despite a long-standing campaign – of which Jones Myers has been at the forefront – to reform cohabitation legislation, the stark reality is that the current law does not offer them any protection should separation become inevitable.

We therefore urge unmarried partners to consider a cohabitation or ‘living together’ agreement which  encourages people to think clearly about what they want to happen, not only while they live together, but also if their relationship ends.

Cohabitation agreements set out who owns what and in what proportion, how property will be divided along with what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions and other assets should couples split up.

Documenting how children will be supported, it outlines how to deal with bank accounts, debts and joint purchases such as a house or car. The agreement can also address pet “custody” issues.  

A cohabitation agreement can be drafted either prior to – or during a couple’s time together. It can likewise be amended as long as both parties agree that the original agreement should be changed and how.

Although it may not be deemed romantic to agree the ‘what if’ scenarios should one partner leave, win the lottery or die, putting in place this safeguard can potentially save emotional and financial trauma at a later stage.

The arrangement, which is enforceable, can be set up through virtual “round-table” meetings within the collaborative process and can reduce the likelihood of cohabitees being left destitute.

It is important that each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Jones Myers has extensive experience in drafting cohabitation agreements and, sadly, in dealing with disputes arising from separations where there has been no such agreement.

By Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones  

Since the government advised dating couples to go into lockdown together to reduce the risk of passing on the virus, the Institute for Employment Studies estimates employment has plummeted to  two million during the first month of the crisis.

The loss of jobs on such a major scale will undoubtedly result in couples, whose relationship withstands the lockdown measures, moving in permanently together for practical and financial reasons to reduce the costs of running two homes. 

In these unprecedented times it is more vital than ever that cohabiting couples understand that they do not have the same legal rights as married couples in critical areas such as savings, income, pensions, business interests – and in particular, property.

Despite a long-standing campaign – of which Jones Myers has been at the forefront – to reform cohabitation legislation, the stark reality is that the current law does not offer them any protection should separation become inevitable.

We therefore urge unmarried partners to consider a cohabitation or ‘living together’ agreement which  encourages people to think clearly about what they want to happen, not only while they live together, but also if their relationship ends.

Cohabitation agreements set out who owns what and in what proportion, how property will be divided along with what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions and other assets should couples split up.

Documenting how children will be supported, it outlines how to deal with bank accounts, debts and joint purchases such as a house or car. The agreement can also address pet “custody” issues.  

A cohabitation agreement can be drafted either prior to – or during a couple’s time together. It can likewise be amended as long as both parties agree that the original agreement should be changed and how.

Although it may not be deemed romantic to agree the ‘what if’ scenarios should one partner leave, win the lottery or die, putting in place this safeguard can potentially save emotional and financial trauma at a later stage.

The arrangement, which is enforceable, can be set up through virtual “round-table” meetings within the collaborative process and can reduce the likelihood of cohabitees being left destitute.

It is important that each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Jones Myers has extensive experience in drafting cohabitation agreements and, sadly, in dealing with disputes arising from separations where there has been no such agreement.

By Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones  

Since the government advised dating couples to go into lockdown together to reduce the risk of passing on the virus, the Institute for Employment Studies estimates employment has plummeted to  two million during the first month of the crisis.

The loss of jobs on such a major scale will undoubtedly result in couples, whose relationship withstands the lockdown measures, moving in permanently together for practical and financial reasons to reduce the costs of running two homes. 

In these unprecedented times it is more vital than ever that cohabiting couples understand that they do not have the same legal rights as married couples in critical areas such as savings, income, pensions, business interests – and in particular, property.

Despite a long-standing campaign – of which Jones Myers has been at the forefront – to reform cohabitation legislation, the stark reality is that the current law does not offer them any protection should separation become inevitable.

We therefore urge unmarried partners to consider a cohabitation or ‘living together’ agreement which  encourages people to think clearly about what they want to happen, not only while they live together, but also if their relationship ends.

Cohabitation agreements set out who owns what and in what proportion, how property will be divided along with what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions and other assets should couples split up.

Documenting how children will be supported, it outlines how to deal with bank accounts, debts and joint purchases such as a house or car. The agreement can also address pet “custody” issues.  

A cohabitation agreement can be drafted either prior to – or during a couple’s time together. It can likewise be amended as long as both parties agree that the original agreement should be changed and how.

Although it may not be deemed romantic to agree the ‘what if’ scenarios should one partner leave, win the lottery or die, putting in place this safeguard can potentially save emotional and financial trauma at a later stage.

The arrangement, which is enforceable, can be set up through virtual “round-table” meetings within the collaborative process and can reduce the likelihood of cohabitees being left destitute.

It is important that each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Jones Myers has extensive experience in drafting cohabitation agreements and, sadly, in dealing with disputes arising from separations where there has been no such agreement.

For queries or concerns on cohabitation agreements or family law related issues, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce