RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN

More and more couples do not marry or, in relation to same sex couples, do not participate in a civil partnership ceremony.

Before a couple start living together, they should consider making a Living Together Agreement. This can record in writing their intentions, who owns what, their financial arrangements and what should happen if the relationship breaks down completely. Several conditions need to be satisfied to ensure an Agreement will be binding and specialist advice is recommended.

An Agreement is particularly important when parties live in a property owned by one or both. It can confirm the ownership shares in the property and what each party is to contribute. If they fall out, it may avoid a court case taking many months at considerable cost and without any guarantee of a satisfactory outcome.

Each of the parties involved in a relationship should also consider making wills as they are not each other's next of kin or entitled to their property or estate. If their relationship breaks down, they should review any existing will as it may contain gifts no longer appropriate.

A Living Together Agreement would normally take one to three months to complete. Wills take a few weeks.

Phone 02392 505500 and ask for Richard Parrott or Chris Mills or their secretaries to make an appointment or request a call back