The legal rights of cohabitees are quite different from those of married couples (although the rights of same-sex couples entering into a Civil Partnership are now similar to the rights of married couples - we can advise you if you have entered into such a Partnership and it has broken down). At the beginning of such a relationship, you may want us to prepare a Cohabitation Agreement, setting out what is to happen should the relationship break down. Or perhaps the relationship has broken down, in which case we can help you resolve all legal issues, including:

• What is to happen to the home you purchased together.
   
• Sorting out arrangements for any children - for further details see here.

Cohabitation matters are dealt with by John Bolch, who is a member of the Family Law Accreditation Scheme and Resolution, formerly the Solicitor's Family Law Association.

Useful web sites:

Resolution

Child Support Agency

UK College of Family Mediators