
Unmarried Couples Disputes | Northwich, Cheshire
Unmarried couples disputes can arise when a relationship breaks down, and there are disagreements regarding:
Property ownership
Financial contributions
Child arrangements
Cohabitation rights.
Unlike married couples, unmarried partners do not benefit from the same legal protections upon separation. This can make resolving disputes more challenging. So seeking legal advice early can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.
Thankfully, at Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we provide specialist legal advice for unmarried couples disputes across Northwich and Cheshire. Whether you are involved in a dispute over a jointly owned home, financial interests in a property, or arrangements for children, our experienced divorce solicitors can provide clear and practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Furthermore, we work to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible through negotiation and mediation where appropriate. However, if court proceedings become necessary, we will provide robust legal representation to help you achieve a fair outcome. We aim to help you move forward with confidence while protecting what matters most to you.

Legal Advice for Unmarried Couples
Do Common law marriage rights exist?
No, common law marriage rights do not exist in England and Wales. Many people believe that living together for a long period gives them the same legal rights as a married couple, but this is a common misconception. Unmarried couples do not automatically have rights to property, finances, pensions, or inheritance following a separation.
Therefore, if an unmarried relationship ends, legal rights will often depend on factors such as property ownership, financial contributions, and any agreements that are in place. Seeking legal advice can help you understand your position and protect your interests.
Property information – Unmarried couples disputes
Property is often one of the main sources of disagreement during unmarried couples disputes. Unlike married couples, unmarried partners do not have an automatic right to a share of a property simply because they lived there together. Ownership will usually depend on:
Whose name is on the title deeds
Any agreements in place
Whether financial contributions were made towards the property.
Therefore, if you are involved in a property dispute following separation, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we can help you understand your rights and work towards a fair resolution.
Financial disputes for unmarried couples
Financial disputes can arise when an unmarried couple separates, particularly where there are shared assets, joint bank accounts, debts, or significant financial contributions made during the relationship. Unlike married couples, unmarried partners do not have the same rights to make financial claims against one another following separation.
As a result, resolving financial disputes can be complex and will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Thankfully, at Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we provide clear legal advice to help you understand your position, protect your interests, and work towards a practical and fair resolution.
Child Arrangements following separation
When parents separate, the welfare of the child will always be the court’s primary consideration. Child arrangements can include:
Where a child will live
How much time do they spend with each parent
How important decisions about their upbringing will be made.
In many cases, parents can reach an agreement without court intervention. However, where disputes arise, legal advice can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Trust Gavin Edmondson Solicitors to provide practical guidance on child arrangements following separation. Helping parents work towards solutions that are in the best interests of their children.
Can my ex partner force me to sell our home?
Whether your ex-partner can force the sale of a property will depend on factors such as who owns the property and how it is legally held. If you jointly own a home and cannot agree on what should happen to it following separation, one party may be able to apply to the court for an order for sale.
However, the court will consider a range of factors before making a decision. Including the interests of any children living at the property.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we specialise in unmarried couple disputes, so we can advise you on your rights and help you resolve property disputes following the breakdown of an unmarried relationship.
Unmarried Couples Disputes | Child Arrangements
When an unmarried couple separates, one of the most important considerations is making suitable arrangements for any children involved. While the relationship between the parents may have ended, both parents continue to have responsibilities towards their children.
As a result, it is important to put arrangements in place that provide stability, consistency, and support.
During unmarried couples disputes, child arrangements typically cover:
Where a child will live
How much time will they spend with each parent
How key decisions regarding education, healthcare, and upbringing will be made.
In many cases, you and the other parent may be able to reach an agreement between yourselves. However, disagreements can arise, particularly where communication has broken down or there are concerns about a child’s welfare.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we understand that child arrangement disputes can be emotionally challenging. Our experienced family law team provides clear, practical advice to help parents reach workable solutions that place the child’s best interests at the centre of every decision.
Whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings where necessary, we are committed to helping families involved in unmarried couples disputes move forward and achieve positive outcomes for their children.
Protecting your Financial Interests | Unmarried Couples Disputes
Protecting your financial interests is an important consideration when an unmarried relationship comes to an end. Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners do not have automatic rights to claim against each other’s income, savings, pensions, or assets following separation.
This can often lead to uncertainty, particularly where one partner has made significant financial contributions during the relationship.
Disputes commonly arise over jointly owned property, mortgage payments, household expenses, savings, and investments. Understanding your legal position at an early stage can help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions about your future. Every situation is different, and the outcome will often depend on factors such as property ownership, financial contributions, and any agreements that may be in place.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we provide practical legal advice tailored to your circumstances. Helping you to understand your rights, protect your financial interests, and work towards a fair resolution. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, where necessary.
Contact Gavin Edmondson Solicitors
If you are an unmarried couple and would like specialist legal advice on how to make child arrangements or separate finances, we can help.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we provide clear, practical guidance on all aspects of unmarried couples disputes.
To speak with a qualified solicitor today, contact Gavin Edmondson Solicitors.
Tel: 01606 811700
Email: info@gesols.co.uk
Areas we Cover for Unmarried Couples Disputes
Our solicitor is experienced in unmarried couples disputes across Northwich, Cheshire, covering Warrington, Chester, Crewe, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Nantwich, and Alderley Edge.