Cohabilitation and Schedule 1 claims
Living together without being married or in a civil partnership is increasingly common, yet the legal framework has not kept pace with modern relationships. A widespread misconception is that cohabiting couples acquire rights akin to marriage over time. In reality, English law does not recognise “common law spouses”, meaning that cohabiting partners do not benefit from the same legal protections on separation.
At Proudmans, we have extensive experience advising individuals in this complex and often misunderstood area. We regularly act in cases involving disputed property ownership, beneficial interests and financial claims arising from cohabitation, many of which require careful navigation of trust and property law principles. Our focus is on providing clear, strategic advice at what is often a highly uncertain time.
Our Approach
We understand that cohabitation cases often sit at the intersection of legal complexity and personal sensitivity. Our role is to bring clarity to that complexity, offering practical, commercially focused advice while remaining attentive to the wider context. Whether you are seeking to protect your position at the outset or resolve issues following separation, we guide you with a clear strategy for achieving the best possible outcome.
