"Unmarried couples" posts

Understanding Islamic divorce in England and Wales: The essential guide

Separation is never simple. When faith and law overlap, it can feel even more complicated. If you’re going through an Islamic divorce in England and Wales, you may need to complete both a religious divorce and a civil divorce. This is the complete guide by Divorce Specialist Susie Parsons.

Ten benefits of co-parenting after your separation

Separation or divorce can be challenging, especially when children are involved. Many parents worry about the impact of their separation on their children or they struggle to find a way forward when old family structures and routines have broken down.

Ending a cohabitation relationship

Around 22% of couples who live together aren’t married or in a civil partnership. Many people think they automatically gain rights to their partner's property and belongings if they live together for a long time. However, in reality, if they break up or if one partner dies, couples who aren't married or in a civil partnership don’t have the same rights or protections as married couples unless they have legal arrangements like a will.

What is a cohabitation agreement and when would you need one?

A cohabitation agreement, also called a ‘living together agreement’, records arrangements between a couple who are living together. It can help keep you safe if there are any disputes in the future.

What is a separation agreement and when do you need one?

Divorce can be an emotionally challenging process with significant legal and financial consequences. Knowing when to divide any money, property and other assets/debts, as well as the legal mechanism for doing this, can be confusing [...]

Is it legally binding? How agreements between couples actually work

For unmarried couples in England and Wales, the two main agreements are a [cohabitation agreement](https://amicable.io/cohabitation-agreement-service) and a [deed of trust](https://amicable.io/what-is-a-deed-of-trust). A cohabitation agreement is treated as a contract and carries real legal weight. A deed of trust is a legally binding property document with direct legal force over the ownership of a specific home. Neither is a court order, but both are considerably more useful than having nothing in writing. What matters most is how they're made.

How to manage money when you move in together

Moving in together raises practical money questions. Here's how to organise your finances, have the right conversations and keep things fair from the start.

Splitting up when you're not married: what are your rights?

If you're separating from someone you live with but haven't married, you could feel uncertain about what you're entitled to. While unmarried couples have fewer automatic legal protections than married couples, there are still important rights and practical steps you can take to protect yourself. In this article, we explore how an unmarried separation process differs from a legal divorce and how you can come to an outcome that feels fair for you both.

From living together to getting married: what changes legally?

Getting married changes your legal position in England and Wales. It can affect money, property, inheritance, pensions and what each of you could ask for if the marriage later ended. If you already have a [cohabitation agreement](https://amicable.io/cohabitation-agreement-service), it may no longer apply once you marry. Understanding the change helps you step into marriage with more clarity, not less romance.