A Cohabitation Agreement is a legally binding contract made between unmarried partners who live together. It outlines how assets, property, finances, and responsibilities are handled during the relationship and in the event of a separation.

Unlike married couples or civil partners, cohabiting couples do not automatically have legal rights over each other’s property or assets, which makes a Cohabitation Agreement essential.

Whether you’re moving in together for the first time or have shared a home for years, this agreement gives you peace of mind by formally documenting how you intend to live together, manage your finances, and plan for the future.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement sets out the mutual rights and responsibilities of an unmarried couple living under the same roof. It helps define who owns what, who pays for what, and what happens if the relationship ends.

While some couples assume that living together gives them the same rights as married couples (commonly referred to as "common law marriage"), this is a misconception. In the UK, cohabiting partners do not have automatic legal claims to each other’s property or assets, no matter how long they’ve been together.

This is where a Cohabitation Agreement becomes especially valuable—it protects both parties by setting expectations and providing a fair and practical framework for their living arrangements.

Benefits of having a Cohabitation Agreement

Creating a Cohabitation Agreement can:

• Clarify financial contributions: Who pays the rent, mortgage, or bills—and in what proportion.
• Protect individually owned property: Ensures personal assets remain with the original owner unless agreed otherwise.
• Avoid disputes: Lays out a plan for separating fairly if the relationship ends.
• Safeguard children’s welfare: Sets expectations for parenting decisions and support.
• Reduce legal uncertainty: Offers a written record of intentions that may be recognised by courts in the event of a dispute.

In short, it helps you both plan for the best while preparing for the worst.

Maintenance payments after separation

Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners in the UK do not have a right to maintenance payments after separation. However, the couple can include a maintenance clause in their Cohabitation Agreement.

This clause can set out whether payments will be made, the amount, duration, and any conditions. While not always legally binding, such terms can help avoid disputes and show clear intent if issues arise.

Including maintenance terms is especially useful where one partner has reduced income due to childcare or shared responsibilities. It’s recommended that both parties seek legal advice when adding these provisions to ensure the provision would be upheld in case of separation.

How to create a Cohabitation Agreement with Bind

With Bind, you can create a Cohabitation Agreement that reflects your unique living situation—quickly, clearly, and securely.

Simply answer a series of straightforward questions about both parties, your financial contributions, shared and individual assets, property ownership, and more. Bind automatically generates the agreement text, which you can edit manually or with AI support to fine-tune the content.

You can then sign the agreement digitally, store it securely, and share it with your partner—all in one place.

What does a Cohabitation Agreement typically include?

Your Cohabitation Agreement should cover the key aspects of your life together, including:

• Parties
• Property ownership
• Financial contributions
• Parenting responsibilities in case of separation
• Debt management
• Separation terms
• Governing law and jurisdiction
• Dispute resolution

All of these elements can be addressed in Bind’s smart questionnaire and edited to suit your preferences.

What happens if you don’t have a Cohabitation Agreement?

Without a Cohabitation Agreement, cohabiting couples can face significant legal and financial complications:

1. No automatic right to property: One partner may be left with nothing if the relationship ends.
2. Disputes over ownership: It can be difficult to prove who owns what—especially with jointly purchased items
3. Unclear financial responsibility: Without agreement, one partner could be left with unpaid rent or bills
4. Uncertainty for children: Custody, support, and parental rights may be harder to manage without an agreement in place.

By setting terms in advance, you minimise the risk of conflict, misunderstanding, or legal battles later on.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Cohabitation Agreement legally binding in the UK?
Yes, if it is properly drafted and both parties have entered into it freely with full understanding, it can be legally binding—particularly when supported by evidence of independent legal advice.

Do we need a solicitor to create one?
While legal advice is recommended to ensure the agreement is enforceable, you can use Bind to create the document efficiently and tailor it to your needs. When the document is created you can contact a lawyer for legal advice, it is much cheaper when you already have an agreement to start with.

Can we update the agreement later?
Yes, you can modify the agreement if both of you consent to the updates and changes.

Does it apply if we move abroad?
The agreement is governed by the laws specified within it. If you relocate, you should consult a local solicitor to determine if a new agreement is needed.

Cohabitation Agreement – free template

---
This Cohabitation Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on the date signed by the parties below, between:

(1) Name, Address
(2) Name, Address

collectively referred to as the “Parties”.

Purpose
The Parties have chosen to live together in a shared residence at [Address], and wish to define their respective rights and obligations concerning their shared living arrangements, property ownership, financial contributions, and other matters. The terms of this Agreement shall remain in effect regardless of changes to the residence address.

Financial Contributions
- [Name] will contribute [number]% and [Name] [Number]% of all rent, utilities, and household expenses, paid into a joint account by the first of each month.
- In the event of separation, [Name] agrees to make a one-time payment of £[number] to [Name] as a maintenance contribution, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Household Responsibilities
Both Parties agree to share chores equally, including cleaning, maintenance, and care of any pets.

Children
Decisions about children’s welfare, education, and care shall be made jointly. Upon separation, the Parties agree to enter a separate agreement regarding child support and custody in good faith.

Debts
Each Party shall remain individually liable for debts in their own name. Joint debts will be the responsibility of both.

Separation
If the Parties separate, they agree to:

• Vacate the shared home within 30 days.
• Divide assets according to this Agreement.
• Address custody and child-related matters in the best interests of any children involved.

Property Ownership
Assets acquired individually will remain separate. Jointly acquired assets will be divided proportionally based on financial contributions.

Independent Legal Advice
Each Party acknowledges they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice or have voluntarily waived that right.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Country]. The courts of [City] shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

---

Create you agreement with Bind

Bind is the easiest way to quickly and accurately create a custom Cohabitation Agreement that works for your living situation. Get started now with Bind and protect your future with clarity and confidence.