Cohabitation & Trustees
When two or more people live together or co-own property, questions about legal rights, financial contributions, and future ownership can quickly become complicated. At Martin Shepherd Solicitors, we offer clear, practical advice on cohabitation agreements, declarations of trust, and property disputes — helping you safeguard your interests and avoid future conflict. We’re here to support you from our offices in Potters Bar, Hertford, and North Finchley.
How We Can Help
Cohabiting couples and property co-owners often face uncertainty around ownership, financial contributions, and what happens if the relationship ends. We provide straightforward legal advice to help you make informed decisions and protect your property rights from the outset.
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a disagreement, we can help you take clear, confident steps forward.
Understanding Cohabitation and Trustees
When people live together or co-own a property without being married or in a civil partnership, the law treats them differently — and often with less protection. That’s why clear legal agreements matter. At Martin Shepherd Solicitors, we help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and how to protect your share in a property now and in the future.
Joint Ownership and Cohabiting
If you jointly own a property — whether as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common — and also live in it, you’re considered cohabitees. But equal names on the title don’t always mean equal contributions or claims. We’ll help you understand your legal standing and how to formalise or challenge ownership where needed.
Declaration of Trust
A Declaration of Trust sets out how the property should be divided if it’s ever sold. It’s often used by co-owners to confirm financial contributions or protect a share in the home. We draft clear, binding declarations to help avoid future disputes.
Cohabitation Agreements
A Cohabitation Agreement outlines who owns what, who pays for what, and what happens if you separate. It’s useful for couples, friends or family members who live together, especially when one person isn’t a legal owner. We create tailored agreements that reflect your situation and protect both sides.
What Happens After a Relationship Ends
If a relationship breaks down, disagreements can arise over property value, shares, or whether one person has any rights at all. We advise on your legal position and, where necessary, can support you in reaching a fair settlement — or applying to court where agreement isn’t possible.
Emotional and Practical Support
Living together, buying a property, or investing in a shared home with someone can be a positive and exciting step — but when things change or relationships break down, it can also become deeply stressful. Questions about fairness, entitlement, and financial contribution often carry emotional weight, especially when there are no formal agreements in place.
At Martin Shepherd Solicitors, we understand how personal these situations can feel. That’s why we offer calm, clear legal support to help you navigate your rights and responsibilities with confidence. Whether you’re planning ahead or trying to resolve a disagreement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Above all, we are here to put your needs first.
Local, Trusted Divorce Solicitors
At Martin Shepherd Solicitors, we’ve supported clients with cohabitation agreements, declarations of trust, and property rights issues for many years. Our solicitors combine legal expertise with a personal, down-to-earth approach, helping you feel informed and reassured throughout the process.
With offices in Potters Bar, Hertford, and North Finchley, we’re well placed to offer accessible legal advice to individuals and families across the region. Whether you’re making plans for the future or dealing with a current dispute, we’re here to help.
Ready When You Are
We’re here to listen, understand your situation, and help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
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