Back to Basics: I am Moving in with my Partner! Do I Need to Do Anything?
11th March 2025
Unlike the first two in this “Back to Basics” series, the above is a question not enough people ask!
Moving in with a partner is usually a cause of excitement and celebration, but in all that excitement, people often forget to consider that blending life with another human being, with a different background, different habits, and different outlook on finances, can actually sometimes be a little complicated.
Whilst there is nothing you need to do when moving in with a partner, here is some food for thought I would encourage all soon-to-be cohabitees to consider:-
- Have we spoken about our expectations for housework?
- Have we discussed finances – who will pay for what, and will we keep them separate or have a joint account?
- What is the expectation if we have children?
- What would we like to happen if one of us dies? Do we have an up-to-date Will?
- In the event we separate:-
- Will buying one person out be an option?
- If so, how long will the other have to find somewhere else to live?
- If it is sold, will we get back our own deposits before dividing the rest?
- What happens to any pets?
Shying away from these types of important conversations can seem easier at the time but can cause issues later on if you discover an area where you are in no way aligned.
As such, whilst you do not need to do anything, we would recommend having those conversations and recording any agreements in a Cohabitation Agreement. If you remain unmarried, this will usually be treated as a binding contract between you. The beauty of having an agreement is that you have already laid out your expectations and done the work of talking about the tricky issues, which hopefully means they won’t crop up and wreak havoc in your relationship. Also, if you do find that you separate, again, you have already set your agreed expectations, which should lead to a smoother, and more amicable separation.
If you want to speak with us about this, please contact us at family@moore-tibbits.co.uk or call 01926 354704.
Antonia Kirby
Antonia is a Senior Solicitor in our family team having joined in March 2024. Antonia studied law at the University of Cardiff and qualified as a solicitor in 2015, joining the Law Society’s Specialist Family Panel in 2016.
Any relationship breakdown is a highly stressful life event and Antonia will spend time listening and focussing on her client’s individual needs with particular importance given to the needs of any children of the family.
Antonia is determined and proactive, providing clear, strategic and cost-effective advice with compassion. She prides herself in being approachable and understanding and provides clear practical advice to help clients stay grounded and resolve cases as swiftly and amicably as possible.
With a wealth of experience in all aspects of family law, Antonia provides advice on:
- Divorce and separation
- Cohabiting and unmarried couples
- Child arrangements and disputes
- Adoption/Special Guardianship
- Asset division
- Domestic abuse
- Pre and Post nuptial agreements
- Separation and Cohabitation Agreements
Providing clear and constructive advice, Antonia excels in finding creative solutions in all aspects of family law whether that be by negotiating a settlement outside of the court process or robustly litigating within it.
Outside of work Antonia enjoys cooking, singing/performing, learning languages and spending time with her children and her friends.
