Divorce and separation
Planning ahead as a young couple
Clear, reassuring guidance for young couples on cohabitation, prenups, buying a home together and navigating separation or divorce. Understand your rights, protect what matters and make confident decisions with expert support from Slater & Gordon.
Starting a life together is exciting, but it can raise questions you didn’t expect. From protecting deposits to planning for the future, understanding your options now can make things simpler later. Here’s how to plan ahead and what to do if things change.
Planning Ahead
Cohabitation agreements
Living together often means sharing big commitments, like deposits, bills, and plans for the future. A cohabitation agreement can make things clearer, who owns what, what happens if you separate, and how to avoid conflict later.
Discover everything you need to know about cohabitation agreements > What is a cohabitation agreement?
Prenups
Prenuptial agreements were once seen as something only for the wealthy or a sign of mistrust. Today, they’re recognised as a practical way for couples to protect what matters and keep things fair if life changes.
Learn more about the pros and cons of prenuptial agreements > The pros and cons of prenuptial agreements
Buying a home together
Buying a property together is exciting, but it can get complicated if one partner pays more or if things change later. Understanding joint ownership and protecting deposits upfront can make you both feel more secure, whilst preventing any issues that may arise later on.
Explore our top tips for buying a house with a partner or friend > Buying a House with a Friend or Partner Tips
If things change
Life doesn’t always go the way we expect. If things change, knowing your options can make the process less overwhelming.
How the divorce process works
Divorce can feel daunting, but the process is more straightforward than many expect. In England and Wales, you don’t need to prove blame or fault. A “no-fault divorce” means neither partner has to accuse the other, you simply confirm that the marriage has ended and apply to make it official.
Discover how the process works > No-Fault Divorce Explained
How assets are divided
From property and pensions to savings and debts, knowing your rights matters, whether you’re married or not. We’ll explain how assets are divided and what you can do to protect what matters most.
Understand how assets are divided > How are assets divided in a divorce?
Helping young couples plan ahead
Planning for your future together can be hugely exciting, but it can also raise a lot of questions. In this video, family law associate Rebecca Cliff explains how we support you.
Need a lawyer? Contact one of our leading experts today
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Why choose Slater and Gordon?
We combine legal expertise with human understanding. Whatever your situation, we’ll guide you with clarity and care.
- Specialists in, cohabitation, finances, divorce and separation
- Clear, affordable advice: £150 for a 45-minute consultation
- Local access across the UK, with phone or video options
Not sure where to start? A short conversation can make things clearer.
Need to speak to someone? Call our friendly family law specialists
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
Expertise
We are an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of family solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We offer affordable, expert legal advice on divorce and child arrangements. Our assessment helps you understand your situation and make informed decisions. Book a consultation for just £180 (inc. VAT) for 45 minutes.
Tailored advice
We understand that family situations differ – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to the house if we split up?
It usually depends on who’s listed on the mortgage and title deeds. Without a cohabitation agreement, you’re legally unprotected, even if you've both contributed financially. Creating a cohabitation agreement early on can clearly define each partner’s rights, covering how the property is shared and what happens if things change, helping you avoid disputes later.
Do we need a prenup or is that just for celebrities?
Prenups aren’t just for the wealthy, they’re about transparency, fairness, and planning. Anyone with savings, property, or even future hopes benefits. Prenups are a practical tool, modern, sensible, and increasingly common. Think of them as a shared roadmap that spells out how savings and property will be treated if things change, helping both partners start marriage with certainty.
How do we protect unequal deposits or savings without making it awkward?
A simple cohabitation agreement can respect and record each partner’s contributions, savings, deposits, or renovations. By putting it in writing early, you can avoid misunderstandings down the line. It’s a practical step, not a sign of mistrust and helps protect both partners.
What changes legally if we get married later?
Marriage changes the rules around asset ownership and what happens if things don’t go as planned. Without proper planning, one partner may unintentionally lose rights to assets they contributed to. Planning ahead is key, whether through prenups or updating agreement, to make sure any change in your legal status doesn’t catch either of you off guard.