Living Together

Who Gets the Dog?

It is a common misconception that couples living together have the same rights and protections as married couples when it comes to splitting up and the division of assets and finances.  In fact co-habitees have very few rights, which mainly involve property and which can be very complicated.

Whilst it will definitely not be the most romantic aspect of moving in together, you should consider whether a professionally drawn up Co-habitation Agreement would be a worthwhile investment.  If you are buying property together we would also advise a Declaration of Trust  to show what percentage of the property you each own. The co-habitation agreement can cover things that affect your day to day living, like how bills will be split, but more importantly it should cover any arrangements for the children and how you divide your assets should the worst happen and you do split up.  It can even cover who gets to keep the dog!

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If the worst has already happened and you feel you have property rights to protect, there needs to be arrangements agreed in respect of the children, you want the dog, or just wish to discuss your situation, please give us a call on 01765 357005 or email at hello@wildbloodlegal.co.uk

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Its also really important that you have an up to date Will to reflect your new circumstances.  Our Wills start from £200.00 plus VAT. 

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We offer a free short telephone advice, or a longer advice and next steps appointment at £200.00 plus VAT. This can be held by telephone, by Zoom or Teams meeting. 

Co-habitation Agreements are complicated documents requiring full financial disclosure from both parties to be as effective as possible.  The average cost of a co-hab agreement is £1,500.00 plus VAT but may be more or less depending on your circumstances. Declarations of Trust start from £250.00 plus VAT. 

Outside of our fixed fee advice our usual hourly rates start from £275.00 - 375.00 plus VAT and we charge in units of 1/10th of an hour (so 27.50 plus VAT per 6 minute unit, email or short phone call). We do not offer Legal Aid.

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