insideKENT Magazine Issue 40 - July 2015 | Page 142

BUSINESS

COHABITATION AGREEMENTS
A COHABITATION AGREEMENT SETS OUT THE ARRANGEMENTS
AGREED BETWEEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO
LIVE TOGETHER. IT CAN BE VERY WIDE IN ITS SCOPE AND
COVER THINGS LIKE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT
OF THE HOUSE, FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, OWNERSHIP OF
CARS AND FURNITURE AND WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT THAT
THE PARTIES CHOOSE NOT TO LIVE TOGETHER ANYMORE,
INCLUDING ONGOING MAINTENANCE TO HELP THE OTHER
READJUST OR WHERE THERE ARE CHILDREN INVOLVED.

Agreements of this nature are usually set up by
couples who have decided to live together but
have chosen not to marry or become civil partners.
These sorts of agreements can also be used for
those pooling resources.
Money for deposits and so on might come from
savings, loans or a gift from friends and family.
Cohabitation Agreements seek to safeguard each
party’s investment in the property. This is true
also for those who have just divorced and are
moving in with a new partner and want to protect

the money they put in or even an inheritance for
their children.
These sorts of agreements can avoid the costs
and risk of litigation, which happens regularly
when cohabitees try to retrospectively determine
their shares in property where one party or another
has made financial contributions to the home.
Sadly, there remains some uncertainty about
whether these sorts of agreements are
enforceable. The Courts historically have not

given effect to them on the rather archaic grounds
that they encourage sexual relations outside of
marriage. Of course, this is no longer relevant
and the general current view, though not tested
at Court, is that these sorts of agreements are
enforceable subject to normal principles of
contract law.
There are alternatives to Cohabitation
Agreements; T G Baynes can help you identify
what is best for you. Call the team to see how
it can assist you on 0208 301 7777.

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OUTSET UK ACHIEVES SILVER FOR
INVESTORS IN PEOPLE
Outset, a leading
employment law
and people
management firm in
Maidstone, has
been presented with
a prestigious
national award
recognising its
commitment to its
people.
“We've
achieved the
Investors in People
Silver Standard, which signals that our organisation puts people first and
excels in areas such as people management, leadership and performance
evaluation,” said chief executive, Jonathan Gauton.
Fewer than 600 organisations in the UK have been given the award,
which measures business planning and leadership, management effectiveness
and performance, and showcases a company’s ambition, drive and focus.
Jonathan continues: “We're proud of our achievement, and continue to
work towards the next level of Gold for Investors in People.”
Working to meet the Investors in People criteria is proven to enhance
financial performance, levels of trust, co-operation and commitment, as
well as increasing improved engagement and efficiency from employees
who are working for a company that's mindful and proactive about staff
motivation, rewards and wellbeing.

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