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Unmarried Couples

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Personal Family Unmarried Couples

Cohabitation Solicitors

At Pinney Talfourd our cohabitation solicitors have extensive experience assisting separating couples. Our broad knowledge of family law is one of the reasons why our cohabitation solicitors are included in Tier 1 of the highly regarded Legal 500 UK – an independent, authoritative reference for the finest law firms in the United Kingdom.

Pinney Talfourd cohabitation solicitors have helped countless separating couples untangle their lives.

While the emotional and lifestyle challenges of unmarried couples mirror those faced by couples undergoing divorce, the legal landscape is notably different, often yielding unexpected and occasionally inequitable resolutions. You can trust a Pinney Talfourd cohabitation solicitor to achieve the best possible result for you.

Property

In cases where an unmarried couple jointly owns a property, the existence of a Trust Deed or cohabitation agreement may delineate their respective shares. Yet frequently, such documentation is unfortunately – if understandably – absent. In the absence of such agreements, the thorough approach of a Pinney Talfourd cohabitation solicitor will assess and determine the legal and beneficial ownership of any property.

In situations where an amicable resolution eludes both parties, resorting to mediation or negotiations by cohabitation solicitors may be fruitless. This may prompt an application to the Court under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Children

Many unmarried couples share the responsibility of raising children. Should they decide to part ways, an array of complex issues will undoubtedly and naturally emerge concerning the well-being of their offspring. The establishment of co-parenting arrangements becomes imperative – preferably through mutual accord or advice and guidance from cohabitation solicitors.

Determining the appropriate level of financial support for a couple’s children might necessitate an application by a cohabitation solicitor to the Child Maintenance Service, and, depending on the parties’ income, supplementary child maintenance applications may require adjudication in court. Moreover, one party or another may invoke Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 to seek capital lump sums or property allocation during the child (or children’s) minority.

The cohabitation solicitors here at Pinney Talfourd are steadfast in our commitment to avoiding court proceedings whenever and wherever possible. We appreciate that you want the process to conclude smoothly and efficiently and will always diligently inform our clients of the full spectrum of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available.

Additionally, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is conducted before initiating any court action on your behalf, ensuring that you are fully aware of all elements of the associated financial risks at every step of the way so you will be able to confidently build a new beginning that is positive and prosperous for you and all those that you care about.

Contact Our Cohabitation Solicitors

If you are part of a separating couple and need specialist legal advice, contact our cohabitation solicitors at Pinney Talfourd today. We are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Our team of experts

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Claire Spurgeon

Partner

Claire Spurgeon

Partner

01277 246 837

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Louise Eady

Partner

Louise Eady

Partner

01708 463 201

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Surjit Verdi

Surjit Verdi

Partner

Surjit Verdi

Partner

01708 255 171

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Remyhs Baker

Senior Associate

Remyhs Baker

Senior Associate

01277 246 831

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Stephanie Leszman

Stephanie Leszman

Associate

Stephanie Leszman

Associate

01708 463 222

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Lucy Nicholson

Lucy Nicholson

Associate

Lucy Nicholson

Associate

01708 255 198

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Alex Hanselman

Alex Hanselman

Solicitor

Alex Hanselman

Solicitor

01708 229 444

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Jade Mercer

Solicitor

Jade Mercer

Solicitor

01277 283 695

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Matthew Hogg

Matthew Hogg

Trainee Solicitor

Matthew Hogg

Trainee Solicitor

01277 211 755

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Our offices

Map showing Upminster
Upminster
Map showing Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster

Essex RM14 2TU

DX: 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444


F: 01708 202 132


E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)
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30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (Ongar Road)
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78 Ongar Road
Brentwood
Essex
CM15 9BB

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

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Elizabeth House,
28 Baddow Road,
Chelmsford,
Essex
CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch
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40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

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Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster

Essex RM14 2TU

DX: 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E:

Brentwood

30 High Street

Brentwood

Essex CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E:

Hornchurch

40 North Street

Hornchurch

Essex RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E:

Chelmsford

28 Baddow Road

Chelmsford

Essex CM2 0DG

DX: 35555 Upminster

T: 01245 206 684

E:

Copyright © 2026. Pinney Talfourd LLP. Registered office address: 54 Station Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2TU, United Kingdom. Company No: OC324736.

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