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While many couples choose not to marry or enter into a formal civil partnership, the law does not protect cohabitees in the same way it protects married couples and civil partners.

We can help cohabitees/partners reach agreements dealing with the financial consequences of living together. Such agreements can offer a greater degree of legal certainty in an area of developing law. We also advise clients on disputes arising from the breakdown of cohabitee relationships.

A cohabitation agreement can help protect family wealth or ring-fence commercial assets to ensure business continuity. It is important for cohabitees to consider the terms on which they hold their assets including property, business interests, shares and trusts.

We have extensive experience in advising, negotiating and preparing cohabitee agreements for clients in various stages in their relationships.

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Recent work

Successful divorce and financial separation

We represented the interests of the wife who owned a company jointly with her husband and on divorce he claimed that the assets should not be split equally, claiming he should have the higher share. The case involved gaining other professional opinions from accountants and financial planners. The legal arguments to establish the equal position of the wife were complex and successful.

Negotiating complex child access arrangements

We resolve complex disputes about children when a relationship between parents – married or unmarried – breaks down. Conflicts arose when the parents were unable to agree which one of them the child should live with and how much or how little contact the child should have with the parent he or she does not live with (the non-resident parent). We have successfully negotiated several arrangements that work for our clients.

Appeals – post-divorce settlement

We defended our client in an extremely complicated case and achieved excellent results. Their former Partner was a keen litigant and determined to appeal decisions the court made relating to finance and the children. Our client achieved and maintains a clean break in terms of capital, income and care of the children.

Cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements

Our client had substantial capital assets and sought advice on what kind of financial claims could be made by a cohabitee on the one hand and a spouse on the other in the event of a relationship breakdown. They wanted to know if they should enter into a prenuptial agreement ahead of marriage and needed specialist advice on the law surrounding nuptial agreements in England and Wales. Because of the value of the assets, highly technical tax and trust law advice was required.

Non molestation orders (Harassment)

Our client was the victim of a prolonged course of harassment. The abuse the client was receiving was unrelenting. We successfully issued proceedings in the High Court for an injunction against the Defendant, preventing them from attending the client’s street, part of the beach on which the client lived, and from her gym.

News and insights

International trade and trading across borders; the financial and legal implications

Podcasts

In this episode, we delve into the risks and opportunities confronting businesses involved in global trade or aspiring to expand their international footprint amidst the current economic climate.

12/04/2024

Top tips for investor-readiness – Corporate Commentary episode 10

Resources

Top tips for investor-readiness – Corporate Commentary episode 10

Get tips from the experts on becoming investor ready in order to grow your business.

26/03/2024