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
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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.
If you are in an abusive relationship, experiencing coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse, harassment or cyberstalking, even by someone who isn’t your partner, seeking help can feel frightening. Our team offers a safe, supportive space to talk and understand your options.
Our family law solicitors can advise you on how to keep safe and help you apply for the right court order, supporting you throughout the process. We can also help if you partner or abuser breaches the terms of the order.
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It often includes coercive control, emotional abuse, and financial abuse, such as restricting access to money, monitoring your movements, isolating you from friends and family, or making threats.
We can advise on urgent steps to protect you and your children, including applying for court orders that restrict contact or occupation of the family home.
In cases where the police are not involved, most situations can be managed by an occupation order or non-molestation order. These orders place restrictions on the person who is being abusive, for example, preventing them from living in the house or contacting you.
Victims of domestic abuse, particularly those subjected to coercive control and emotional abuse, may also experience cyberstalking or technology-enabled monitoring.
For ideas on how to protect yourself you can read our article on how to reduce the risk of tech abuse.
If you’ve experienced domestic abuse, including financial abuse, and are considering divorce, financial protection can be arranged as part of the divorce.
We also advise unmarried couples on financial remedies and protective measures, helping you secure stability and safeguard your income and assets as you move forward.
View our fixed-fee family law consultation page ,we offer compassionate, expert guidance from an experienced solicitor, focused on you and your next steps.
Tees has a fantastic family law team who are dedicated to their clients. Highly personable, confident and skilled solicitors who clearly seek (and do) understand their client's problems.
Our domestic violence and abuse legal team can help with all issues including:
Our solicitors explain each option carefully, helping you make decisions at your own pace. We also support you if an order is breached.
Where abuse overlaps with separation or divorce, we can help address financial protection and future arrangements, always with your safety as the priority.
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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.
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Domestic abuse or domestic violence can include any incident of threatening behaviour or violence and is a criminal offence. Types of domestic abuse include:
Controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships is a criminal offence where the behaviour has a serious effect on the victim. Examples of controlling or coercive behaviour can include acts of domestic violence, but also includes:
An occupation order is a type of order that the court can make, that regulates who is entitled to live in a property. An occupation order can:
A non-molestation order prohibits someone from behaving in a certain way towards another person. Each non-molestation order will be tailored to address individual circumstances. If you have applied for a non-molestation order it can, among other things:
Evidence can include:
Police reports or crime reference numbers
Medical records
Photographs of injuries or damage
Witness statements
Text messages, emails, or social media messages
Evidence of controlling financial arrangements
However, you do not need perfect evidence before seeking advice. Our specialist solicitor’s can help assess your situation and advise on next steps.
The family court must prioritise a child’s welfare. Allegations of domestic abuse are taken seriously and may affect:
Whether contact is supervised
Where a child lives
Parental responsibility decisions
The court considers the impact of abuse on both the child and the non-abusive parent.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day. Visit GOV.UK for further information.
If it is safe to do so, seek legal advice as soon as possible to explore protective court orders.
