Ending a cohabitation

If a couple are living together but are not married and their relationship ends, there is no need for them to take any legal action to formalise the separation. However, there may be issues concerning children, property and money to sort out. This can be done either by informal agreement or by a written separation agreement between the couple - see below.

If the couple cannot agree, a court can order who should stay in the home in the short-term and can also transfer a tenancy.

If there are children, a court can make orders about who the children should live and have contact with and the sale of any jointly owned property. The Child Support Agency will normally deal with maintenance for any children of the relationship - see Financial arrangements at the end of a relationship.

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