Specialists in
Unmarried & Cohabiting Couples
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Grant Stephens Family Law provide a whole range of services tailored to unmarried or cohabiting couples whether you are just beginning your relationship or whether you have separated.
Beginning your relationship
If you and your partner are about to purchase a home or property, it is important to establish how you will own it and what would happen to the shares in the event of separation. Cohabitation Agreements are considered essential to unmarried couples who wish to avoid the considerable cost and distress of having to apply to the Court for their share to be realised on separation.
The law relating to property rights between unmarried couples is particularly complex and cohabitees are treated differently to married couples. Litigation in this area is expensive and lengthy and therefore the old adage of a ‘stich in time saves nine’ is never more relevant than in this area. We can provide advice and assistance in drawing up a Cohabitation Agreement and Declaration of trusts in respect of jointly owned property s which will provide you with the surety and security in the knowledge that your investment is protected if things do go wrong in the future.
Guide to… Unmarried & Cohabiting Couples
For more information on this topic please read more here.
Separation
Grant Stephens Family Law provides a full service tailored to the needs of separating couples. When couples separate, it is important that they have the security of knowing where they stand. Ideally any financial issues should be implemented in a Separation Agreement or Deed of Separation signed or executed by both parties which can record the terms of the separation and any financial agreements. The negotiations can take place via a method of Alternative Dispute Resolution such as Mediation or Collaborative Law. In the event that fails, by Court action.
The law is not straightforward. If the property is held in the name of only one person, the other person will want to know what rights they may have in respect to the property.
Difficult situations can also arise with jointly owned property where there is no express agreement as to shareholding and where one party considers that they should have a larger percentage shareholding than the other.
Furthermore, there may be dispute as to whether the property should be sold, and it may be appropriate in those circumstances to apply to the Court for an order for sale.
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Our promise to you
1
You come first
We know that everyone is different, so all the advice we provide is client-led. We consider how you want to approach your case and we will work with you to provide you with the best possible resolution.
3
We see the bigger picture
Our expertise is in empowering our clients to make the right decisions for their future. We will not rest until we have secured the best outcome for you and your family.
2
A problem solving approach
If your case can be resolved without going to court, we will do everything in our power to ensure you do not have to. As an alternative solution, we will utilise the mediation and/ or the collaborative process to help you resolve any issues within your family.
4
Clear communication
We talk to you in a language you understand, so you will always know what is going on. We will provide you with professional advice that is based on our unrivalled understanding of family law and years of experience in family law disputes.
I can not praise Grant Stephens Family Law enough. When you find yourself in need of a solicitor its usually because you’re in a difficult or unfortunate position, and from my very first phone call to make an appointment I felt completely at ease.
Our promise to you
1
You come first
We are human too. We know that everyone is different, so all of the advice we provide is client led. We consider how you want to approach your case, and we will work with you to provide you with the best possible resolution.
2
A problem solving approach
If your case can be resolved without going to court, we will do everything in our power to ensure you don’t have to. As an alternative solution, we will utilise the mediation and/or the collaborative process to try and help you resolve any issues within your family.
3
We see the bigger picture
Our expertise is in empowering our clients to make the right decisions for their future. We will not rest until we have secured the best outcome for you and your family.
4
Clear communication
We talk to you in a language you understand, so you will always know what’s going on. We will provide you with professional advice that is based on our unrivaled understanding of family law and years of experience in family law disputes.
I can not praise Grant Stephens Family Law enough. When you find yourself in need of a solicitor its usually because you’re in a difficult or unfortunate position, and from my very first phone call to make an appointment I felt completely at ease.