Unmarried couples should prepare for all eventualities says Salisbury law firm

Salisbury Lawyers solicitors, Bonallack and Bishop believe unmarried couples are putting themselves at risk if they don't plan for all eventualities when co-habiting.

Following a recent case where a man who had broken up with his cohabiting 17 years ago, was awarded a 50% share in the house they had once lived together in – despite the fact that he had never made any financial attribution to the mortgage.

The property was originally bought as joint tenants and remained so even after the end of their relationship.

Bonallack and Bishop suggest that couples should plan for a worst case scenario when they separate and must deal with a distribution of their assets, as those couples who cohabit have far fewer rights than those who in a civil partnership or who are married.

Getting the right advice from a matrimonial lawyer before moving in or breaking up can assist in making any separation as painless as possible and it could save a considerable amount time and money in the event that the couple do finally separate.

Rights surrounding Wills, parental responsibility and pensions are also different from those enjoyed by married couples or those in a civil partnership. These complex legal issues can be explained in full by an experienced family law solicitor.

Bonallack and Bishop's senior partner Tim Bishop commented, "It's hardly surprising to find that couples simply don't want to think about the ramifications if they should split up – however we would suggest that when you commit to setting up home together, you give very serious thought to seeking legal advice from a solicitor who regularly deals with cohabitation contracts to prepare for any eventuality.

"Sadly with hundreds of thousands of couples breaking up every year, many face real practical difficulties arising directly from the breakup of their relationship – quite apart from the emotional cost – unless they have taken legal advice to protect their assets."

This advice comes as part of the Law Society’s nationwide YOUR SOLICITOR, QUALIFIED TO ANSWER campaign, which takes a Beatles theme together with the strapline ‘Help, I need somebody’. It is currently featured in the national press, railway stations, buses, on taxis, at televised cricket matches and online, with over 380 million opportunities to see the campaign.

For further information, please contact Tim Bishop on 01722 422300 or via email.