We will produce a cohabitation agreement tailored to your individual needs that will provide you with peace of mind.

Current Jersey law can cause cohabiting families to face real difficulties should they split up.

Cohabitation Agreements

A cohabitation agreement will provide you with peace of mind, should things go wrong. Under Jersey law unmarried couples have no legal rights if they separate.  As a result, some cohabiting families can find themselves facing real difficulties should they split up. As it stands the only solution for cohabiting couples who want legal protection should they split up is either to get married or enter a civil partnership, or to enter into a cohabitation agreement.

Because of Jersey’s rules regarding residential status, it is becoming more common for only one partner to be named on the deeds. If a cohabitation agreement is not in place, then the person in whose name the property is in had the rights to the property which will cause issues especially where the other partner has contributed towards the property and expects to have an interest.

Therefore, by coming to an agreement before or whilst you are living together, you will:

 

  • have a clear understanding of what your financial commitments are
  • avoid misunderstandings regarding your rights and responsibilities as you continue to live together, in particular with regards to ownership of property
  • avoid disagreements if you split up


Parslows for Family Law - Cohabitation Agreements

What is a cohabitation agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a contract between unmarried couples who are living together. The agreement can set out the ownership of existing assets and how your assets will be dealt with should you later split up.

What can a cohabitation agreement cover?

Each cohabitation agreement is different and its content will depend on your individual circumstances. That said, there are a number of things you should consider covering:

  • the ownership of property including property owned before living together and property bought while living together
  • how household bills will be dealt with, in circumstances where you and your partner are not joint owners of your home or situations where one partner contributes more than the other
  • movable assets such as bank accounts, pensions, house contents, pets and how they should be dealt with
  • payment of debts

When drawing up the co-habitation agreement, you will both need to seek independent legal advice to ensure that there is no doubt as to what you are agreeing to.

Our highly experienced family lawyers are experts in this field and have helped many couples setting up home, or already living together, to draw up agreements that are tailored to their own individual needs. Contact our family team today.

What our clients say

“You have been amazing and really put me at ease…”

‘Thank you so much. You have been amazing and really put me at ease.
Thank you for your time and for helping me.’

Family Law February 5, 2024

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‘Excellent client service, knowledgeable, caring staff. Effective communication, clear and concise information. I wish I had used Parslows years ago and I am sure the outcome I faced would have been very different.’

Family Law October 5, 2023

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‘Natalie Jenner offers a judgement-free space where you will be listened to. I felt supported by her and she helped me to make some very difficult decisions. Every time I speak to her, I come away feeling empowered with a sense of clarity. She offered sensible advice and guided me through various processes at a very difficult time. She has excellent knowledge of family law. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.’

Family Law October 4, 2023

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From the moment I contacted Parslows and spoke with Barbara my mind was immediately put at ease. I had many questions throughout my legal dealings and the Parslows team always came back to me promptly and took the time to explain various legal jargon making it easy to understand. It was the best money I have ever spent and was an absolute pleasure dealing with Barbara”

Family Law August 22, 2023

“Best money I have ever spent…”

Thanks so much for everything, honestly you’ve made it so much easier for me and given me reassurance when I truly needed it. 
Best money I have ever spent.   Thanks so much for everything Barbara, it’s been lovely meeting you. 

Family Law August 8, 2023

“Professional support …”

Thank you to you and the Parslows Team so much for all the help, support and professional received by me at what has been a difficult time

Family Law June 8, 2023

“Careful consideration and time …”

Thank you for steering the dispute to family foundation, something my ex-partners legal advisor should have requested form the outset as a first step. A summons to Royal Court would have been a very bad situation for all parties.

I thank you for your careful consideration and time.

Family Law March 20, 2023

“Relief is an understatement …”

Thank you for the decree absolute from Natalie. Relief is an understatement! Thank you to both of you [Natalie and Catia] for all your work, understanding, compassion and support through the most awful of times.

Family Law July 18, 2022

“Huge thank you …”

Huge thank you to you Natalie and your colleagues involved with my separation agreement and making things so simple and fast in what has been a difficult time. I look forward to receiving my updated draft Will for my perusal and finalisation.

I will certainly recommend you to everyone and I have told my daughter to contact you re her Wills as she has now been waiting 9 months with numerous chaser e mails to another firm and still nothing to sign!

Family Law July 13, 2022