Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What if we already own a home together without one?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Do we both need advice?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What about children if we split up?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

We bought a home in South Ockendon with unequal deposits, does that matter?

Accepted Answer

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 South Ockendon property explicit and protected.

Divorce solicitors in South Ockendon.

Which area of family law?

Family law in South Ockendon, handled locally.

Divorce in South Ockendon

Financial Settlements in South Ockendon

Child Arrangements in South Ockendon

Prenuptial Agreements in South Ockendon

Postnuptial Agreements in South Ockendon

Cohabitation Agreements in South Ockendon

Separation Agreements in South Ockendon

Civil Partnership Dissolution in South Ockendon

Domestic Abuse & Injunctions in South Ockendon

Adoption in South Ockendon

What South Ockendon clients most often ask.

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