More couples than ever are choosing to live together without getting married – but the law hasn’t caught up.

If you’re cohabiting, it’s a common misconception that you have the same legal rights as married couples.

This can lead to serious complications if the relationship breaks down or one of you passes away.

At Mackrell, we help cohabiting couples put clear legal agreements in place to protect themselves, their home, and their financial interests.

Whether you’re buying a property together, starting a family, or planning for the future, we’ll help you create security and peace of mind.

Cohabitation agreements for modern relationships

We understand the practical and emotional complexities of living together without the legal protections of marriage or civil partnership.

That’s why we offer thoughtful, strategic legal advice tailored to your circumstances.

We regularly advise on:

• Cohabitation agreements
• Financial contributions and beneficial interest disputes
• Joint ownership of property and trusts of land
• Parental responsibility and children matters
• Separation advice for unmarried couples
• What happens when one partner moves into the other’s home
• Wills and estate planning for cohabiting partners

Whether you’re planning ahead or things have already gone wrong, we’ll give you practical legal guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

A proactive approach to protection

Living together without being married shouldn’t mean being unprotected. At Mackrell, we help couples set out their intentions clearly from the start – reducing the risk of costly and distressing disputes in future.

If your relationship ends, we’ll guide you through the legal process with clarity, empathy and a firm focus on securing a fair outcome.

Why choose Mackrell for cohabitation agreements?

• If your assets or lives span multiple jurisdictions, we’ll ensure your arrangements are recognised across borders.
• We help you take control of your legal and financial future with clarity and calm.
• We understand the challenges that come with modern living arrangements and help to put the best protections in place for you and your family.