Frequently asked questions
What is a cohabitation agreement?
A legal document that records what you've agreed about your finances and shared life. Courts in England and Wales treat it as a contract, giving weight to agreements entered into freely where both people understood what they were signing.
Do I need a cohabitation agreement if I already have a deed of trust?
A declaration of trust is a focused document that records how a property is owned between you - specifically what share each person holds. It's a snapshot, fixed at the point you buy.
A cohabitation agreement is broader and more forward-looking. It covers property too, but also bills, savings, debts, shared purchases and how you'll handle changes over time — like a renovation, a shift in income, or buying somewhere new together. It captures the whole picture of your life together, not just one aspect of it.
Think of the cohabitation agreement as the bigger framework, with the declaration of trust sitting underneath it to record the property shares specifically. We offer cohabitation agreements as part of our service. We can also signpost you to appropriate providers should you decide that you would also like a Declaration of Trust. If you're not sure what you need, a Living Together Planning session is a great place to start
What does it cover?
Most couples include: how the deposit was split and where it came from, how bills, mortgage payments and savings are divided; what happens if one of you carries out significant renovation work; and anything else that matters to you both.
Does it work if only one of us owns the property?
Yes – this is a joint service. You'll both complete the financial disclosure and join the review session together, and have your finished agreement to sign at the end.
Do both of us need to be involved?
Yes. Both of you complete the financial disclosure, join the review session and sign the agreement.
How long does it take?
Most couples complete their financial disclosure within a few days of purchasing. The review session is 30 minutes. Your drafted agreement is typically ready within a week of the review.
What if we haven't fully agreed on everything yet?
This service drafts what you've already agreed. Our Living Together Planning Session is a separate 60-minute joint session that helps you get there first. Add it at checkout or book it directly.
Can we use this if we live in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Our service is only available to couples in England and Wales – the law works differently in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so this service wouldn't be the right fit for you. If you're based outside England and Wales, we'd recommend finding a family law solicitor in your area who can help.
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