Cohabitation Agreements

Although from 2006 couples who lived together but weren’t married or in a civil partnership were given certain rights in Scotland, it is still recommended that you at least consider drawing up a Cohabitation Agreement for peace of mind now and for the future.

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement is a straightforward legal document that is beneficial to both parties involved during the course of the relationship but also on separation, should it come to that.

No one in a loving relationship likes to think about it breaking down and turning sour, but unfortunately…it can happen! By deciding to put in place a Cohabitation Agreement you are simply and sensibly protecting yourselves and your assets. It sets out the financial arrangements agreed upon both during the relationship but also should the relationship end – allowing for some control over assets should things get complicated. It can also cover responsibilities and support with regard to any children involved.

Some examples of what might be included in a Cohabitation Agreement are:

Contributions to mortgages, bills, life insurance etc
How assets would be divided upon separation – a property, its contents, personal belongings, savings etc
Any large sums of money paid by one party in particular i.e deposit on a flat – it can be written into the agreement that upon separation that amount would be paid back to that individual
How you would deal with things like bank accounts, cars and investments upon separation
If any financial support is given to one partner by the other
Arrangements and financial support for any children
Who children should live with and have contact with should the relationship end.

Taking legal advice

We recommend you spend the time to go through and agree on who owns what and how assets should be divided upon separation before seeing us, which will save time and money. Of course, we can only act for one party as both parties should seek independent legal advice. However, our highly trained Family Law specialists will take the time to understand the particular situation; they will look through the agreement in principle, advise you on any updates or amendments and then draft the formal agreement on your behalf.

BE PREPARED...

Contact our expert Family Law solicitors for practical advice. Book a free initial meeting to discuss your unique situation and goals, and let us guide you towards being fully prepared for all eventualities.

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Divorce / Separation

Although the circumstances around the breakdown of a marriage are personal and each divorce is different, they tend to bring with them a whole host of similar questions.

Fixed Fee Divorce

We pride ourselves on offering transparent, upfront advice about fees across all our services from the outset and where possible, always look to give an idea of costs.

Separation Agreements / Minute of Agreement

Separations can get complicated, confusing and messy. The best way to know where you stand and what has been agreed is to write it down.

Cohabitation Agreements

Although from 2006 couples who lived together were given certain rights in Scotland, it is still recommended that you draw up a Cohabitation Agreement for peace of mind now and for the future.

Prenuptial Agreements

Once thought of as something only for the rich and famous, a Prenuptial Agreement or ‘Prenup’ as they are more commonly known, is fast becoming much more commonplace for a number of reasons.

When Children Are Involved

Child Contact and Residence Orders do as they say and look to formally layout decisions made regarding children in the event of a separation or divorce.

What our Family Law clients say

Superb Service! I recently required the services of a solicitor. Having dealt with W and AS Bruce before with house purchases, I had no hesitation in contacting them for assistance. The entire process was seamless and I was fully appraised of what was happening throughout the process. They made what could have been a difficult situation, very straightforward for myself and my now ex-wife.
Helen Gibb and Selina Mackay are an absolute credit to the firm and I would have no hesitation in seeking their help again.

Keith

Been with this company for a while now and have to say best solicitor I've ever had. Very committed and very responsive to calls emails etc. Mr Grieve is a very likeable and well educated man who definitely knows his stuff and takes his clients very seriously. Can't fault this company in any way. Definitely recommend for family solicitors.

Jackie Whyte

Having been on a multi-year journey through the courts with several family-related issues, I employed W & AS Bruce to represent me.

From start to finish no issue was too much trouble. Excellent staff, fantastic communication and always able to handle really emotional subjects with care and understanding. The entire team that I have dealt with have went above and beyond in their service and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them based on my family law journey. A great team and excellent service.

John K Mackie

No words can express how grateful I am for Selina and Helen's help over the last 5 years. They have bent over backwards and earned fantastic results for me. I will be eternally grateful for the work they have done for me and my family. Very professional, hard working and Genuinely nice people. They proved it is more than just a job. Thank you both so much. Rach xxx

Rachel Nicol

I engaged the services of W & A S Bruce over several years to represent me in trying to gain custody of my son, and latterly to obtain a divorce. At all times I was given excellent advice, was kept up to date with progress, and the whole process was handled professionally and sensitively. Would not hesitate to use W & A S Bruce in the future if I need legal representation or advice.

William White

I used W&AS Bruce for a simplified divorce. I personally liked that I only had to visit twice, once to pay the bill and once to sign some papers and everything else was communicated through email. In this circumstance that was easiest for me. Everyone was friendly and approachable when I visited. I would use their services again if I needed to.

Yvonne Fotheringham

I can’t thank Selina, Helen, Charles Campbell & all other staff who were all very friendly, helpful & very professional. I would highly recommend W&AS Bruce to anyone who needs legal advice

Glynis Thomas

Selina has supported us through our court cases in the family court over the past 4 years and has been extremely helpful, professional and caring. She has gone out of her way to help us and I would definitely recommend her!

Marscha Ross

Family issues took me through the doors of the office. Residency needed to be sorted. From start to finish the whole staff showed compassion, understanding and an immense ability to separate and handle the emotion and hurt from the facts and issues. Very few law firms nowadays leave you feeling important but every email, every communication and every bit of stress was dealt with in such an understanding way.

John K. Mackie, Cowdenbeath

Kate Howitt worked tirelessly with me, always kept me in the loop. Great communication on the phone at short notice too. Emails, phone calls, face-to-face meetings when possible, during Covid. She has advised me well on Family Law for 3.5 years during a long court battle.

Joan

It has been a long journey from my initial meeting with Selina. Although the divorce experience could never be described as pleasurable, all of the staff at W&AS Bruce made it as easy as possible due to their professionalism and diligence. I would have no hesitation in recommending W&AS Bruce to anyone seeking legal representation on any matter.

Alan Anderson, Crossford

Last year W&AS Bruce carried out conveyancing on 2 properties for me and my husband and I have no hesitation is recommending Janine for your Conveyancing, Wills and Power of Attorney work. What did we contract Janine to do? The answer has to be to provide peace of mind and security for us and an easier journey for our family in the event that we are unable to manage our own affairs.

Renee & Bruce Elliott

I have been a client of W and AS Bruce, Dunfermline, since 1999 and have availed myself of their services on four occasions in that time. Sadly, the last time was during the emotional minefield of a divorce. My Solicitor was Selina Mackay, ably assisted by Paralegal Helen Gibb. They were exceptional.

John V Lloyd, Dunfermline