Cohabitation lawyers & separation solicitors

Expert Legal Support for Your Family’s Future

Whether you’re facing separation, considering a separation deed, or moving in together as a cohabiting couple, our experienced family law team is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do courts considers when a cohabiting couple separate?

Unmarried couples have no automatic rights in property and financial matters, with courts considering ownership, contributions, intentions, and trust law, while prioritising a child's best interests in any child arrangements; cohabitation agreements and legal advice can provide clarity and protection.

What is a separation deed?

A separation deed is a legal agreement for separating couples, married or unmarried, outlining financial arrangements, division of assets and debts, spousal maintenance, child arrangements, and other considerations, providing clarity and structure without requiring immediate divorce.

What is a cohabitation agreement?

In England and Wales, the concept of a "common law marriage" is a myth, leaving cohabiting couples without the same rights as married couples, but a cohabitation agreement can protect financial arrangements, property ownership, and clarify responsibilities to avoid future disputes.

Our Full Range Of Cohabitation Services

I am separating from my partner and need advice

We provide expert advice to cohabiting couples navigating separation, helping resolve disputes over property, finances, and children while ensuring clarity and fairness in the absence of legal protections available to married couples.

I need information on separation deeds

We offer expert guidance on separation deeds, helping cohabiting or married couples formalise agreements on finances, assets, debts, and child arrangements without requiring immediate court involvement.

I need a cohabitation agreement

We provide expert advice on cohabitation agreements, helping unmarried couples protect their financial interests, property, and assets, while clarifying rights and responsibilities for a smoother living arrangement and future security.

We're here to help.


Nick Robertshaw

Family Law Solicitor


"Thanks once again for your attention and for your advice, which appears to me sound, appropriate and practical."

Belderbos Solicitors provides expert, compassionate support for family law matters, from divorce and finances to child arrangements, guiding you toward peaceful resolutions. Book a free discovery call with Belderbos Solicitors for practical legal guidance.

At Belderbos Solicitors, we understand the unique challenges cohabiting couples face, especially when it comes to legal protections during separation or managing shared assets. Our tailored services help safeguard your interests and provide clarity for your future.

Separation for Cohabiting Couples
Cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples upon separation. We provide expert guidance to help you navigate disputes over property, finances, and child arrangements, ensuring a fair and amicable resolution while protecting your interests.

Separation Deeds
A separation deed allows cohabiting or married couples to formalise agreements regarding the division of finances, assets, debts, and child arrangements. This cost-effective and structured solution avoids the need for immediate court involvement, offering clarity and reducing future disputes.

Cohabitation Agreements
A cohabitation agreement is a practical way for unmarried couples to set out their rights and responsibilities when living together. These agreements outline arrangements for finances, property ownership, and other assets, helping to avoid potential conflicts and providing security in the event of separation.

Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, offering practical and personalised advice to suit your specific situation. Contact us today to discuss how we can support you with your cohabitation matters.

What Our Clients Say


When I spoke to James Belderbos regarding separation, divorce and child matters, I found James to have a very open and refreshing approach.

He strongly encouraged a non-combative approach through the use of mediation and collaboration, stating that courts were to be viewed as a last resort in resolving conflict. James was also clear on his message, advice and was punctual in meetings not looking to extend the time unnecessarily. Because of this, I was able to keep meeting times and costs to a minimum.

I would strongly recommend James to anyone who needs a calm guide on the legal complexities of separation and divorce.

Mr L, Loughborough

Belderbos Solicitors is ready to help