Don't Leave A Parting Gift

As more unmarried couples set up home, there has been a rise in people writing cohabitation agreements to divide their assets and savings fairly in case they break up.

- Harvey Jones

More than three-quarters of lawyers have reported a rise in cohabitation agreement enquiries over the past year according to Direct Line, yet more than two million cohabiting couples have no agreement in place, putting them at risk.

While many such couples are young, growing numbers of older, divorced people are moving in together as well. It may be even more important for them to protect assets built up over a lifetime.

Lawyers say the best time to set up an agreement is when you move in together, although having children or taking out joint financial products such as a mortgage are also triggers.