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Protecting yourself

Protecting Yourself

Whether you're separating now or still together, there are steps you can take to protect your position.

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If you're separating now

The most important thing is to understand your position before making any agreements or signing anything.

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Read our property rights guide to understand what you might be entitled to. Property rights →

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If you have children together, explore your Schedule 1 options. Children section →

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Don't agree to anything until you understand the full picture. Even a 'friendly' agreement without legal backing may not protect you.

If you're in a situation involving domestic abuse - Any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between people who are or have been in a relationship. Includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. or fear for your safety, the courts can act urgently. See our protective orders guide →

If you're still together: cohabitation agreements

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between two people who live together but aren't married. It sets out what happens to property, savings, and other assets if you separate.

What it can cover

Who owns what share of the property, and how contributions are tracked
What happens to joint savings and debts
How shared expenses are handled day-to-day
Arrangements for children if you separate

Is it legally binding?

A cohabitation agreement is enforceable as a contract, which means a court can uphold it. The stronger and clearer it is, the better. It's not as automatically enforceable as a court order, but it removes most of the uncertainty.

What does it cost?

Typically £500–£1,500 through a lawyer, depending on complexity. Significantly less than TOLATA proceedings if things go wrong.

When does it matter most?

A cohabitation agreement matters most when: one of you owns property before you move in together; one of you is contributing significantly more financially; or there's a meaningful asset or income gap between you.

A cohabitation agreement won't prevent every dispute, but it removes most of the uncertainty. If you're moving in together, especially into a property one of you already owns, it's worth the conversation.