Isn't there such a thing as common-law marriage?

No, it's the biggest myth in English family law. Living together, even for decades, gives you no automatic right to your partner's assets, pension, or estate.

What if we already own a home together without one?

You can still put an agreement in place. We usually pair it with a Declaration of Trust to make property shares explicit, especially where deposits were unequal.

Do we both need advice?

Independent legal advice for each partner makes the agreement much harder to challenge. We often act for one and refer the other to a trusted local solicitor.

What about children if we split up?

Cohab agreements can't override child arrangements or child maintenance, but they can cover school fees, extras, and property arrangements for the resident parent.

How long does it take?

Typically 3–5 weeks from first meeting to signed agreement.

We bought a home in Old Harlow with unequal deposits, does that matter?

It matters a great deal. Without a written record, the law will usually assume equal beneficial ownership. A Declaration of Trust alongside a cohab agreement makes each of your shares in the Old Harlow property explicit and protected.

Harlow · Essex

Divorce solicitors in Old Harlow.

The historic village at the heart of Harlow. Whether you're just starting to think about divorce, planning a prenup, or need urgent help with an injunction, we're the friendly voice at the other end of the phone, for Old Harlow and the wider Harlow area.

Book a call 01708 398 851

Family court: Chelmsford Family Court
Nearest station: Harlow Mill
District: Harlow

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Services · Old Harlow

Family law in Old Harlow, handled locally.

Every family law service we offer, tailored to Old Harlow clients. Fixed fees, plain-English advice, one dedicated solicitor.

Divorce in Old Harlow

Straightforward no-fault divorce, handled end-to-end.

Divorce in Old Harlow

Financial Settlements in Old Harlow

Fair splits on savings, pensions, businesses and the family home.

Financial Settlements in Old Harlow

Child Arrangements in Old Harlow

Who the children live with, spend time with, and how big decisions are made.

Child Arrangements in Old Harlow

Prenuptial Agreements in Old Harlow

Protect assets, expectations and family wealth before you marry.

Prenuptial Agreements in Old Harlow

Postnuptial Agreements in Old Harlow

Set expectations for the future, after you've already married.

Postnuptial Agreements in Old Harlow

Cohabitation Agreements in Old Harlow

For unmarried couples living together, because 'common-law marriage' isn't a thing.

Cohabitation Agreements in Old Harlow

Separation Agreements in Old Harlow

For couples separating without (yet) divorcing.

Separation Agreements in Old Harlow

Civil Partnership Dissolution in Old Harlow

The equivalent of divorce for civil partners, same care, same expertise.

Civil Partnership Dissolution in Old Harlow

Domestic Abuse & Injunctions in Old Harlow

Non-molestation and occupation orders, often the same day.

Domestic Abuse & Injunctions in Old Harlow

Adoption in Old Harlow

Step-parent adoption and private adoption applications.

Adoption in Old Harlow

Free tools for Old Harlow

Two quick answers, before you ring us.

Two calculators, built for Old Harlow clients. Both run in your browser, nothing is saved. Use them for a steer, then call for a proper read.

Divorce, Old Harlow

Divorce route planner for Old Harlow

Sole or joint? What the 26-week minimum timeline looks like from filing to Final Order, mapped for a Old Harlow couple starting today. Your matter would typically be administered at Chelmsford Family Court.

Plan my divorce route

Cohabitation, Old Harlow

TOLATA claim checker for Old Harlow cohabitants

Not married but bought or built a life around a property in Old Harlow? Three questions to indicate whether you have a beneficial interest claim under TOLATA 1996.

Check my TOLATA position

Old Harlow FAQ

What Old Harlow clients most often ask.

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Harlow

Divorce solicitors in Old Harlow.

Which area of family law?

Family law in Old Harlow, handled locally.

Divorce in Old Harlow

Financial Settlements in Old Harlow

Child Arrangements in Old Harlow

Prenuptial Agreements in Old Harlow

Postnuptial Agreements in Old Harlow

Cohabitation Agreements in Old Harlow

Separation Agreements in Old Harlow

Civil Partnership Dissolution in Old Harlow

Domestic Abuse & Injunctions in Old Harlow

Adoption in Old Harlow

Two quick answers, before you ring us.

Divorce route planner for Old Harlow

TOLATA claim checker for Old Harlow cohabitants

What Old Harlow clients most often ask.

Do I have to travel from Old Harlow to see you?

Which family court will my case go to from Old Harlow?

How quickly can I speak to a solicitor from Old Harlow?

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