Family law / Unmarried Couples
Legal Support for Cohabiting and Unmarried Couples
Many people believe in ‘common law marriage,’ but the reality is that unmarried couples have different legal needs. Whether you are moving in together or separating, we provide the clear advice to protect your home and family.
Legal Advice for Unmarried Couples
Introduction
Unmarried couples often face unique legal challenges, especially concerning property ownership, finances, and parental responsibilities. Our supportive family law solicitors provide clear, compassionate advice tailored specifically to the needs of unmarried partners across England and Wales. Whether you’re looking to establish a cohabitation agreement, resolve disputes over shared assets, or arrange parental responsibilities, we help you understand your rights and options. Our approachable team is dedicated to guiding you with care, helping you plan for a secure future and protect your family’s interests with confidence.
LYONS BOWE ENQUIRY STRUCTURE
Your Family Law Journey
Submit an Enquiry
The relevant paperwork is submitted to the court. The court will then issue the application and sends it to the CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service). We will then serve a copy of the court papers to the other parent.
Conflict Checks
Before we can discuss your situation with you, we’ll need to run a conflict check. This just means checking that we’re not already acting for, or talking to, another party in your situation.
Spousal Maintenance
Your ConsultationSpousal Maintenance payments are made from one spouse to the other following a divorce. Spousal Maintenance payments are separate from child maintenance payments and are not an automatic right of any spouse.
Next Steps
What happens next is up to you. You can get started on the next steps right away, or take some time to think about it, or decide that the next steps aren’t for you. No pressure, no fuss.
LYONS BOWE ENQUIRY STRUCTURE
Your Family Law Journey
Submit an Enquiry
The relevant paperwork is submitted to the court. The court will then issue the application and sends it to the CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service). We will then serve a copy of the court papers to the other parent.
Conflict Checks
Before we can discuss your situation with you, we’ll need to run a conflict check. This just means checking that we’re not already acting for, or talking to, another party in your situation.
Spousal Maintenance
Your Consultation Spousal Maintenance payments are made from one spouse to the other following a divorce. Spousal Maintenance payments are separate from child maintenance payments and are not an automatic right of any spouse.
Next Steps
What happens next is up to you. You can get started on the next steps right away, or take some time to think about it, or decide that the next steps aren’t for you. No pressure, no fuss.
Get a quote
Get Started With Your Fixed Advice Meeting
To obtain a quote please select an office from the dropdown below:
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Other Services We Offer
A Better Way to Separate
Helping Families Move Forward.
We know that taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Many clients worry about conflict, costs, or simply coping with the change. That’s why we’ve created a structured and supportive approach to separation one that focuses on understanding, clarity, and the best outcome for everyone involved.
What you can expect:
A calm, supportive environment to talk things through
A calm, resolution-focused approach
Clear guidance on your legal options
Support for co-parenting and future planning that keeps children at the centre
Fixed fees available where possible
A team who will truly listen, not judge
Do unmarried couples have the same legal rights as married couples in the UK?
No. Contrary to the “common law marriage” myth, unmarried couples do not have the same automatic rights as married couples. Lyons Bowe helps cohabiting partners protect their interests through legal agreements, property advice, and arrangements for children.
What is a cohabitation agreement and how can Lyons Bowe help?
A cohabitation agreement sets out how property, finances, and responsibilities will be managed during a relationship and in the event of separation. Lyons Bowe family solicitors draft clear, tailored agreements that provide legal security for unmarried couples.
What happens to property when unmarried couples separate?
Property disputes for unmarried couples are dealt with under trust and property law, not family law. Lyons Bowe advises on ownership rights, financial contributions, and property division, helping clients resolve disputes fairly and in line with UK law.
Can unmarried couples make arrangements for children through Lyons Bowe?
Yes. Parental responsibility and child arrangements can be complex for unmarried couples. Lyons Bowe supports parents in securing child custody, contact, and financial support arrangements under UK family law.
How can unmarried couples protect their financial interests?
Lyons Bowe solicitors help unmarried couples safeguard their finances through cohabitation agreements, declarations of trust, and advice on joint accounts and shared investments, ensuring clarity and protection for both parties.
What happens if my partner dies and we are not married?
Do unmarried couples have rights to pensions or spousal maintenance?
Unmarried partners have no automatic rights to pensions or maintenance after separation. Lyons Bowe advises clients on alternative ways to protect future financial security, including agreements, nominations, and estate planning.
How can Lyons Bowe support unmarried couples planning for the future?
Lyons Bowe offers a full range of legal services for unmarried couples, including cohabitation agreements, property advice, wills, and child arrangements. Our solicitors ensure you understand your rights and are fully protected under UK law
