Separation for Unmarried Couples

When a relationship breaks down and you are unmarried, you often face many of the same issues as married couples. However, the legal situation is very different. Our award-winning family law solicitors guide and advise unmarried couples wishing to separate.

The law relating to unmarried couples is not the same as for married couples, no matter how long you have lived together. Your legal rights are not the same as those of a married couple.

For many unmarried separations, the emphasis is likely to be on children as well as financial contributions towards the capital that each person has made – for example, assets such as the family home, joint savings and investments.

We will give you expert legal advice on your individual circumstances on any potential claim arising from your separation so that you can make the right decision about your assets, home, money and your children.

Specialist legal advice for unmarried couples wishing to separate

The law relating to unmarried couples with children and financial assets like property can be very complex. What people refer to as a ‘common law spouse’ – a cohabiting couple having similar legal rights to a married couple – is false. Irrespective of the length of the relationship, there is no automatic claim to assets or property.

More and more people are choosing to live together unmarried. In the absence of a cohabitation agreement, disputes can be uncertain, costly and potentially acrimonious. The advice of a recommended, experienced legal specialist is vital for making the best decisions and obtaining the right outcome relating to finances and children.

Unmarried couples who own property or assets

Common issues usually relate to agreeing a financial settlement and how assets are divided.. These matters can be further complicated by one party owning an asset, such as property, and then the other party financially contributing towards that asset. You therefore need expert legal advice to reach an agreement and to be able to make the right decision for you.

Unmarried couples who have children

If you have children, you will need expert advice in how to protect their interest in relation to property that has been the family home and to ensure both you and your children have a home and enough money to support you during their dependency. Dependency typically lasts until the children reach 18 years of age, where the law would class them as independent.

Matters can be even more complex if the child has complex needs or has a disability. If financial matters relating to children remain unresolved between parties, we are experienced in advising on necessary court applications (Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989).

Since 1987, our award-winning, Resolution-accreditation family law solicitors have been helping unmarried people who are separating to protect their interests and reach the best financial settlement possible.

Trust our accredited, experienced separation solicitors

In the case of unmarried couples, the law can be particularly complicated. We have extensive experience in this specific area of family law and will take the time to understand your situation and your needs, achieving the very best possible outcome.

Since 1987, our award-winning, Resolution-accreditation family law solicitors have built their reputation on providing exceptional customer service and the very best standard of legal advice to those looking to separate.

We are highly recommended by our clients — as well as a Trustpilot score of 4.7 out of 5, over 98% of our clients would recommend us and use us again. We are also recognised as a Leading Firm in The Legal 500.

Rosalind Blaza, our Head of Family Law, is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law panel, demonstrating her vast experience in financial and children issues arising from the separation of unmarried couples.

Each separation case is unique. We are proud to provide a personal, sensitive approach to every client who chooses Emsleys.

Working across Leeds and Harrogate — and beyond

Separation is a difficult, challenging and emotional situation, and the legal complexities for unmarried couples can lead to uncertainty. Our aim is to offer straightforward advice without unnecessary legal jargon.

We’re based in the North, but our team works with unmarried couples wishing to separate across the UK and overseas, including on complex international cases.

We offer appointments to suit you. This may mean video calls, emails, phone calls or in-person meetings at our welcoming offices across Leeds.

We are committed to provide you with clear cost information, preventing hidden surprises. To help you through the process, we also offer a range of payment options — fixed fees payment by instalment and, if you are eligible, payment at the end of your case.