Relationship property law
Whether you’re entering a new relationship, reviewing your current arrangements, or navigating separation, our team will provide specialist relationship property advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
All relationships are unique. Every couple has their own way of managing their assets, building a home, and planning for the future. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to Relationship Property Agreements.
Relationship property planning is about more than just drawing a line in the sand and saying “what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is yours”. It’s about finding the right balance between protecting your assets and building shared wealth over time. While we can draft agreements that provide for different circumstances that may happen over time, as circumstances change, we are often involved in updating existing arrangements.
We help our clients put in place Relationship Property Agreements that suit their specific needs, whether that means a wide-ranging agreement that looks to keep almost all their assets separate from the relationship or a limited agreement that applies to each person’s contributions to the family home, for example.
Inheritance is often a key consideration for Relationship Property Agreements. While inheritance is classified as separate property under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, if it is used towards the relationship then it loses its status as separate property. A Relationship Property Agreement can be used to safeguard your inheritance, regardless of the use to which it is put.
Relationship Property Agreements are also important for those with blended families. An agreement needs to be carefully crafted to serve the two persons in the relationship as well as their children from previous relationships, and future children they may have together.
On the other end, the separation process can be challenging, both emotionally and financially and we are cognisant of this fact when providing you with advice. Our goal is to make it as efficient, fair, and supportive as possible, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and informed every step of the way. Whether your separation is amicable or complex, we can prepare a Separation Agreement to fairly record the division of your assets and, where necessary, update or restructure trusts so they continue to meet your family’s needs.
We want our clients to feel supported throughout either process. For matters outside the scope of our services, we work with a trusted network of specialist professionals and can connect you with the right experts to ensure you’re fully supported from every angle.
Relationships evolve and so should your legal arrangements. We’ll help you protect your assets, plan for your family, and move forward with fairness and confidence.
Our relationship property law services:
- Relationship Property Agreements (also called Contracting Out Agreements or Section 21 Agreements), whether at the beginning of or during a relationship
- Variations to existing Relationship Property Agreements to reflect changed circumstances
- Separation Agreements (also called Relationship Property Settlement Agreements or Section 21A Agreements) and division of relationship property
- Dissolution of marriage or civil union
- Implementing Separation Agreements and recording asset division
- Independent legal advice for both Relationship Property Agreements and Separation Agreements
