Cohabitation Agreements
Do you live with your partner but are not married or in a civil partnership? Do you want a document in place that sets out what happens to your assets and finances if you split up?
Then consider creating a cohabitation agreement.
What is a cohabitation agreement?
A cohabitation agreement, also known as a Living Together Agreement, outlines what you and your partner want to happen to your family and its assets if you split up. The agreement can include what will happen to any property you own, who will take custody of any pets, and who will care for any children you have, as well as stating how you will manage your current finances including mortgage or rent payments and bills.
While a cohabitation agreement is not a legally binding document, couples who are cohabiting do not have the same legal rights and protection as married couples. It is a myth that living together for a long time makes you “common law” husband and wife. Having a cohabitation agreement in place can avoid unnecessary disagreements and the stress of having to work out each partner’s assets and finances, and provided it is fair to both sides, the court will follow its instructions.
What can I include in a cohabitation agreement?
- What legal share each partner has in any property (including where there is a Declaration of Trust involved)
- How any property acquired during the relationship will be owned
- The payments of a mortgage/occupation rent and other property costs
- The care and financial support of any children
- The custody of family pets
- What will happen to your car/s
- How debts will be settled or dealt with
- The division of shared savings and other wealth
Why use Rothera Bray to draw up a cohabitation agreement?
We can advise you on drawing up a cohabitation agreement at any stage, whether you’re planning to move in with your partner or you have been living together for many years.
We’ll sit down with you to discuss your arrangements. We’ll inform you of your legal rights and how the court could view your arrangements. Then we can advise you on the best way to draw up a cohabitation agreement.
We will advise you on what information we require from you to ensure the agreement is thorough.
If your circumstances change we can help you review and update your existing cohabitation agreement.
We can also advise on drawing up a cohabitation agreement between friends or family members.
Should a dispute arise, we can advise on resolving the matter through mediation or where required we can represent you at court.
Send us a message

“Our cohabitation agreements will ensure that should the worst happen, you and partner will be treated fairly.”
Joanne Millward
Family Law Partner
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Posted 22 May 2026
I used Rebecca's services via Rothera Bray Solicitors to deal with the financial side to a divorce. I had an initial face to face appointment to talk through everything with Rebecca and this made me feel at ease and felt that Rebecca was the right person to help me. Rebecca has kept me highly informed at all stages throughout and has also given lots of great advice and has helped me a lot with getting things sorted. I am really happy with the service that I received and Rebecca was so friendly, kind, understanding and very helpful. I would 100% recommend to anyone who is requiring the help during a divorce.
Leila
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Posted 22 May 2026
Rothera Bray have been excellent in helping me resolve a difficult and expensive divorce, I found them extremely efficient - communication was excellent at all points and generally they were there when I needed them, they all took a personal interest in my case and we arrived at a reasonable resolution thanks to their efforts Specially thanks to Rebecca Emeleus and Rebecca Hudson for their great work, Highly recommended in what are always going to be difficult situation! They are people that you can rely on - which is very important in divorce actions particularly.
Stuart Randall
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Posted 21 May 2026
Sophie is kind and understanding. She explained everything and I felt I was in very capable hands. I would highly recommend Sophie.
Philippa Stephenson
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Posted 14 May 2026
Sophie helped me through the whole experience of getting my case through to fruition with a court order result.
Lesley
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Posted 28 April 2026
I cannot recommend Rothera Bray highly enough, and in particular Emily, who is truly outstanding. Emily took on my case again and from the very beginning she showed that she is unlike other solicitors. She took the time to genuinely listen to me, understand my situation, and focus on what was right for both myself and my children. That immediately set her apart. Where other solicitors had previously pushed their own views, suggesting I accept an undertaking or advising against pursuing a non-molestation order and a section 91(14) order, Emily approached things completely differently. She looked at the full picture, put the needs of the family first, and had the confidence and knowledge to push for what was truly necessary. The outcome has made a significant difference to our lives, and I genuinely believe it would not have been achieved without her. Emily is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly understanding. She puts her clients first, not what is easiest or quickest to achieve, and that level of care and commitment is rare. If you are looking for a solicitor who will truly listen, stand by you, and fight for the right outcome, I would recommend Emily and the team at Rothera Bray without hesitation.
Nathan
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Posted 21 April 2026
Excellent Support and Guidance Through a Difficult Divorce. I recently went through a divorce and required legal support during what was a difficult time. After initially speaking with Jack English at Rothera Bray, I felt confident in instructing him to advise and represent me. Throughout the process, he was consistently accessible, kept me well informed of progress, and communicated clearly at every stage. He struck the right balance between being understanding of the situation while remaining focused and determined to achieve the best possible outcome. I’m very grateful for his support and would not hesitate to recommend his services.
Divorce Client
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Posted 24 March 2026
I used the services of Emma Adcock and her team at Rothera Bray Solicitors and they were great - very pleasant, efficient and delivered to time and agreed cost. I would have no doubt in recommending them to others.
Jo
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Posted 12 March 2026
I wanted to thank you for your time, guidance, and the work you have carried out on my matter so far. I genuinely appreciate your support and professionalism throughout.
Anonymous Family client
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Posted 9 March 2026
David was great, always positive but realistic on what to expect. Would highly recommend anyone needing help or advice on divorce.
J.P.
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Posted 10 February 2026
Emma Adcock was absolutely superb during my divorce and subsequently during a prolonged and difficult house sale in which she endeavoured to get the right and just outcome for me. I would never use any other solicitor or solicitors firm for any legal challenges that may come along in the future. I cannot say enough great things about Emma or the firm Rothera Bray. Thank you so much.
Michael F
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Posted 29 January 2026
I've been a client of Rothera Bray for the last few years while negotiating a somewhat lengthy divorce process. It should have been fairly straightforward but there were issues with the other side... However my solicitor (Sarah) was extremely patient, supportive and professional throughout and we finally got the required outcome. I was extremely grateful for all Rothera Bray did in supporting me through the process and I would definitely recommend them to others.
Nina T
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Posted 20 January 2026
I can’t thank you enough for the support, patience and counsel you have offered over the last few difficult months! Not least of which the peace of mind you have provided throughout the period working with you all. Thank you so much!
Mr B, Nottingham

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.

David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.

Rebecca Emeleus
Partner & Head of Family
Rebecca is a Partner and Head of the family law team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.

Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

Joanne Millward
Partner
Joanne Millward has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.

Julie McCrery
Managing Associate
Julie McCrery is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Derby office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

Emma Adcock
Senior Associate Solicitor
Emma Adcock is a Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience across a wide range of family law matters arising from relationship breakdown. Working from our West Bridgford office in Nottingham, she has significant experience in divorce and the accompanying financial settlements.

Charley Kelly
Senior Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Senior Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.

Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.

Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.

Sophie Spreckley
Associate Solicitor
Sophie Spreckley is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Derby office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

Jack English
Solicitor
Jack English is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Beeston office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

Rebecca Hudson
Solicitor
Rebecca is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and specialises in divorce and matrimonial work. She is based at our Lace Market office.

Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.

Christopher Monro
Senior Solicitor
Chris is an experienced solicitor dealing with most areas of Family and Matrimonial Law and is based at our Market Harborough office.

Ewan Paton
Solicitor
Ewan is a Solicitor in the Family Law department and is based at our West Bridgford office.

Cindy Dodd
Managing Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Divorce and Family Law team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.

Lorraine Lloyd
Senior Paralegal
Lorraine is a Senior Paralegal in the Divorce and Family Law department based at our Leicester and Market Harborough offices.

Gita Patel
Senior Legal Secretary
Gita Patel is a Senior Legal Secretary in the Family Law department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Leicester office.

Aleshanee Nagi
Paralegal
Aleshanee Nagi is a Paralegal in the Family Law team based at our Derby and Beeston offices.

Tracey Cosgrove
Legal Secretary
Tracey is a legal secretary in the Family department based at our Leicester office.

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