Zubair and Judge Law has meticulously completed the conveyance for us and kept us informed at each stage. I have done quite a few conveyancing but this one clearly stands out in terms of attention to details and the due diligence in the process. I would use them again and…
Cohabitation solicitors
Windsor, London & across England & Wales
Living together but not married? You may have fewer legal protections than you think, there is no such thing as “common law marriage”. We advise unmarried couples on property, money and children, and help you put clear agreements in place to protect you both.
✓ Authorised & regulated by the SRA ✓ Free initial call ✓ Fixed-fee & hourly options ✓ For unmarried couples
01753 770 775Call anytimeDay or night, someone always answers. Office hours Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
Request a CallbackNo obligation. Tell us a little about your situation and we will call you back at a time that suits you.
Many couples live together for years without realising how differently the law treats them compared with married couples. If you separate, there is no automatic right to share property or provide for each other, which can come as a shock. We explain where you actually stand, help resolve disputes fairly, and put agreements in place to protect you both. Tell us a little about your situation, and we will explain your options, from the first call.
What we can help with
Cohabitation agreements
A clear agreement setting out who owns what and how you share things, so there is no dispute if you separate.
Property disputes
Resolving who owns and keeps a home when an unmarried couple separates, including disputed shares.
Declarations of trust
Recording exactly how you own a property together, especially where you have put in different amounts.
Arrangements for children
Where you have children, arrangements and child maintenance are dealt with the same way as for married parents.
Separating fairly
Untangling finances and property when you separate, by agreement wherever possible.
Why instruct Judge Law
- We explain where you really stand. We cut through the “common law marriage” myth and tell you your actual legal position.
- Calm and practical. We keep things constructive and focused on moving you forward, not stoking conflict.
- Confidential from the first call. Everything you tell us is treated sensitively and in the strictest confidence.
- Clear on cost. We agree how we charge before we start, so there are no surprises.
How it works, step by step
- Your first callA free, no-obligation call to understand your situation, explain how we can help, and give you a sense of the likely cost.
- Initial consultationA detailed meeting, in person, by phone or by video, where we go through your options and agree a plan. Our initial consultation is a fixed fee of £180 plus VAT.
- Understanding your positionWe explain your legal position on property, finances and children as an unmarried couple, clearly.
- Protecting or resolvingWe put a cohabitation agreement or declaration of trust in place, or help you resolve a dispute on separation, fairly.
- Resolution and next stepsWe finalise things, explain what happens next, and make sure you know where you stand so you can move forward.
Living together and want to protect yourselves?
Tell us a little about your situation and we will explain where you stand. Your first call is free, and in the strictest confidence.
Clear, fair fees
We know cost is a real worry when family matters are already stressful, so we are upfront about how we charge from the first call. Your first call is free. Our initial consultation is a fixed fee of £180 plus VAT, and gives you tailored advice and a clear plan for your situation. After that, we agree the right basis for your case, whether that is fixed-fee stages or an hourly rate, and confirm the cost before we do the work.
Cohabitation FAQs
Do unmarried couples have the same rights as married ones?
No. Despite the popular myth, there is no such thing as “common law marriage”. Unmarried couples have far fewer automatic rights on separation, particularly over property and financial support. We explain exactly where you stand.
What is a cohabitation agreement?
It is an agreement between a couple living together that sets out who owns what, how you share outgoings, and what would happen if you separated. It gives you both clarity and helps avoid disputes later.
Who keeps the house if we split up?
It depends on how the property is owned and what each of you contributed. It can be complex, and disputes are common. A declaration of trust made in advance avoids much of the uncertainty; where there is already a dispute, we help resolve it.
What about our children?
Arrangements for children and child maintenance are decided in the same way for unmarried parents as for married ones, based on the children’s welfare. Being unmarried makes no difference to your children’s position.
Related family law services
Book a consultation
Sometimes it helps to talk things through properly. Book an initial consultation, a fixed-fee meeting (£180 plus VAT), in person, by phone or by video, where we go through your options and agree a plan. Everything you share is treated in the strictest confidence.
