Cohabitation Agreements for Unmarried Couples
A cohabitation agreement is the most important legal document an unmarried couple can have. It protects both of you — setting out clearly what each party owns and what happens if the relationship ends.
PDA Law drafts cohabitation agreements for couples across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2.
Cohabiting couples in England and Wales — the fastest growing family type
Automatic financial rights on separation — without a cohabitation agreement
Fixed-fee cohabitation agreements from PDA Law — protecting your future
What a Cohabitation Agreement Covers
A well-drafted cohabitation agreement addresses all the key financial and practical matters that could arise if your relationship ends.
Property Ownership
Who owns what — including property brought into the relationship, jointly purchased property and how shares are calculated.
Financial Contributions
How mortgage payments, bills and household expenses are shared, and what happens if contributions change.
Savings & Investments
How savings and investments accumulated during the relationship are treated on separation.
Children
Arrangements for children, including financial provision and how decisions will be made.
Debts
How existing and future debts are allocated between the parties.
Separation Provisions
What happens to the home, finances and other assets if the relationship ends.
How We Draft Your Cohabitation Agreement
Initial Consultation
We discuss your circumstances, what you want to protect and what the agreement needs to cover. We provide a fixed-fee quote.
Disclosure of Assets
Both parties provide full details of their assets, income and liabilities. Full financial disclosure is essential for the agreement to be enforceable.
Drafting
We draft the agreement, tailored to your specific circumstances. We explain every clause in plain English.
Independent Advice for Your Partner
Your partner reviews the draft with their own solicitor. Both parties must have independent legal advice.
Signing
Both parties sign the agreement in the presence of a witness. The agreement comes into effect immediately.
Funding Your Legal Fees
Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.
If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.
Explore all funding optionsWe do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.
Cohabitation Agreements — FAQs
Is a cohabitation agreement legally binding?
When should I make a cohabitation agreement?
How much does a cohabitation agreement cost?
Do we both need separate solicitors?
Can a cohabitation agreement be changed?
Do you draft cohabitation agreements for clients in Chester, Wrexham and Ellesmere Port?
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”
Rebecca H.
Family law client, Chester
* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.
Your Family Law Specialist
Martin Dias
Family Law Executive
Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.
Get a Cohabitation Agreement
Fixed-fee from £500 + VAT. We advise clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14 and throughout Cheshire and North Wales.