Document background
The Separation Agreement for Cohabiting Couples is essential for unmarried partners in England and Wales who are ending their cohabitation arrangement. Unlike married couples, cohabitants don't have automatic legal rights upon separation, making this agreement crucial for protecting both parties' interests. The document typically covers property division, financial settlements, arrangements for children, and the distribution of shared assets and debts. It provides legal certainty and can help avoid costly court proceedings. The agreement is particularly important given that English and Welsh law doesn't recognize the concept of 'common law marriage', leaving cohabiting couples with limited legal protection without such an agreement.
