The legal rights of unmarried couples living together
Living together without getting married is a common choice for many couples. However, it’s essential to understand the legal differences
We don’t just look after you, we look out for you. That means we bring you insights, advice and keep you up to date on all kinds of legal matters so you can keep ahead.
We match a member of the team with the right expertise to every client, who will invest time getting to know you, who will look after your interests and ensure you have access to the whole firm when you need it.
The legal and financial matters might be complex, but we aim to keep things straightforward and explain everything in terms that are relevant to you.
Collaborative divorce allows couples to work through separation without going to court. It offers a structured but flexible approach, giving you greater control over decisions that affect your future, while reducing stress, time and cost.
Our collaboratively trained solicitors support open, face-to-face discussions in a safe and supported environment. We act in your interests while helping both parties work towards solutions they can live with, now and in the future.
Where children are involved, their needs remain central throughout the process. We help ensure parenting arrangements and financial outcomes are considered carefully, with an emphasis on long-term stability and fairness.
Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering support across all areas of family law. Alongside collaborative divorce law, we advise on relationship breakdown, mediation, court proceedings, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, ensuring consistent advice as family circumstances evolve. We act for clients with a wide range of needs, from complex financial arrangements to more straightforward matters.
Tees have a very client focused, bespoke approach which is of a very high standard. They are consistently pushing for their clients and achieve good outcomes for them.
Our collaborative divorce lawyers can help you with the following:
Tees is a full-service top-tier Legal 500 firm, which offers a joined-up service for all your legal requirements. We’ll support you in all areas of family law from divorce mediation to court appearances, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
We have a team of in-house independent financial advisers who work closely with our lawyers to deliver all the advice you need. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we are accountable for all the advice we give.
If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
Living together without getting married is a common choice for many couples. However, it’s essential to understand the legal differences
Amber Kennedy, an expert in parental legal rights, shares essential information for separated parents considering relocating with their child. Relocation
For many people, uncertainty about future income can be one of the most stressful aspects of divorce. For people with
What is a civil partnership? A civil partnership is a way for couples, whether heterosexual or same sex, to formalise
–
–
–
–
Collaborative means working together but in the context of family law, it means more. Collaborative law is a particular way of both parties and their solicitors (who must be specially trained in Collaborative law) working together towards a resolution of points of dispute between them. It is an alternative to going to court, and couples who choose collaborative divorce make a commitment not to go to court.
Collaborative divorce begins with you, your partner and your respective solicitors signing a ‘participation agreement’. A participation agreement is a legally binding document to say that you will all work together and come to a final agreement on your divorce. Your solicitors will work as a team to guide you through discussions (called four-way meetings), giving you advice, making suggestions, testing options and steering you towards an agreement. Other expert advisers might also be able to attend the meeting to give extra assistance.
The negotiations themselves are “without prejudice,” meaning proposals cannot later be relied upon in court.
However, once agreement is reached:
A financial consent order is drafted
It is submitted to the court for approval
Once approved by a judge, it becomes legally binding
Both are alternatives to court, but there are important differences:
A neutral mediator facilitates discussions
Neither party receives legal advice during meetings
Each person seeks legal advice separately
Each party has their own solicitor present at every meeting
Legal advice is given in real time
Everyone signs a commitment not to go to court
For clients with complex assets, business interests, or concerns about legal clarity, the collaborative model can provide greater reassurance.
It is often significantly more cost-effective than contested court proceedings because:
There are no repeated court hearings
The process is streamlined and structured
Negotiations are focused and transparent
While it may cost more than mediation, it is typically far less expensive — both financially and emotionally — than litigation.
There is no fixed timetable. The process moves at a pace that suits both parties.
Many collaborative cases resolve within a few months, depending on:
The complexity of assets
Pension arrangements
Business valuations
The parties’ willingness to negotiate
This flexibility often makes it quicker than court proceedings.
Yes. Collaborative divorce is particularly well-suited to cases involving:
Family businesses
Shareholdings
Property portfolios
Pensions
Trust interests
Neutral financial advisers, accountants, or pension experts can attend meetings to provide joint expert input, often saving time and reducing duplication of costs.
If either party decides to issue court proceedings:
Both collaborative solicitors must step aside
Each person must instruct new solicitors for litigation
This requirement encourages everyone to remain committed to reaching agreement.
Many clients choose collaborative divorce because it:
Preserves dignity and respect
Reduces conflict
Keeps discussions private
Allows creative, tailored solutions
Helps protect co-parenting relationships
For families with children, it can set a more positive foundation for the future.
