Breaking up if you have been living together

Contrary to popular belief, there really is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’. Unless you marry or enter into a civil partnership, even if you have been living together for many years, you have no right to financial support from your partner if you separate. If you are not married but living together you could be particularly vulnerable in terms of your home and finances when you split up.

There are only a few options for financial relief open to you and these are:

Child maintenance – If you have children together and the children live mostly with you, your partner may be liable to pay some child maintenance to you. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will usually deal with any dispute over child maintenance. If one of you lives abroad or earns over a certain amount, the family court may be able to order maintenance payments

Property – If you jointly own a property and cannot agree whether it should be sold or how to divide the proceeds, you can ask a court to decide what proportion of the property belongs to you and to make an order for the property to be sold and the proceeds distributed. If you have only contributed to living expenses, then this area of the law is complicated and requires detailed consideration of whether any form of agreement or understanding between you and your partner has created a trust.

A home for your children – If you need accommodation for your children after you separate, you may be able to apply on their behalf for a property to be transferred to you, or for a lump sum to purchase a property for you to use as a home for the children until they are grown up.

We can advise you

Based in the City of London our matrimonial solicitors are on hand for a convenient appointment between meetings or before your commute home. We will explain your options in straightforward language so that you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you and your children.

We are used to working with busy executives and international families and regularly have meetings via Skype or video calls with clients in other time zones.

Funding for legal advice or representation

Once we understand your circumstances, we will advise you on the options that may be available to you.

Contact our matrimonial team

To organise an initial consultation, in complete confidence, please contact a member of our specialist family team who will be able to help.

Who to contact

Linda Pope

Partner

What clients say

I emailed with a question about a legal matter. Linda replied within a few hours, answering my query fully and reassuring me on the matter. I am extremely impressed and grateful that Linda took the time to respond so comprehensively when I am not a client.
Family law client advised by Linda Pope

Many thanks for all your help on this. I don’t think that I appreciated at the start of the process quite what a challenge the divorce would be – I now do realise and am still recovering but am definitely coming out the other side. Your advice was invaluable in terms of ensuring I stayed focused and realistic.
Anonymous family law client, advised by Michelle Uppal

Linda went above and beyond to make sure I understood the legal process involved in a Schedule 1 and kept me informed of estimated costs continuously. Her advice is thorough and detailed thus she relentlessly leaves no stone unturned. Although professional at all times, Linda was able to balance this with empathy and compassion, which meant a lot to me as it was a very emotional time. I am so happy with the outcome of my case that she continues to be held in high esteem by me and my wider family for the outcomes she and her team delivered.
Sophie Walker, a family law client advised by Linda Pope

I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. It has been life-changing for me and my family. You have literally become a household name with us because you have been such a significant part of our journey.
You will always be my first point of call if I ever need to revisit this, or any other legal matter and I will recommend you and Miles & Partners without hesitation. I hope this reflects how happy I am with the advice, work and outcomes of my case.
Family law client advised by Linda Pope

“A dynamic, knowledgeable and practical team of specialists.
A very strong and knowledgeable family team that goes that extra mile for its clients.”
2021 Legal 500

“The service I have received from this law firm has been fantastic! Especially Michelle Uppal who has been extremely efficient, helpful and very professional, I would certainly recommend her as a great family lawyer!”
Anonymous client

“I am very impressed with the client focus of the family team, whether the client is a city lawyer or someone coming into contact with the law for the first time. They will always make sure the client is aware of all the options available to them, whether that is mediation, collaborative law, or traditional litigation and they will provide advice and support to the client every step of the way.
In addition, they have particular expertise in complex child care cases and are expert in supporting vulnerable clients facing the prospect that their child may be taken into care by the local authority.
Miles & Partners is truly focussed on quality and was instrumental in setting up a small group of like-minded firms, which meets regularly to exchange ideas, provide mutual support and share good practice. They are a great example of a progressive law firm.”
VL, Management Consultant

“Without exception, everyone in the firm has dedication to their clients that is second to none. Many of their cases involve serious issues and they approach them with empathy and compassion and spend as much time with the clients as is needed. In my experience the gift of time is not one many firms are willing to give. Many of their clients are children and/ or are extremely vulnerable and they always make whatever allowances are required.
Miles and Partners always have the ability to inject new vigour into every case. Their motivation is both rare and inspiring. Coupled with their clear passion for the system, job and their clients they all have a sharp knowledge of the law and apply it accordingly. When instructed by them it is clear that they have full grasp of all the issues and their preparation of the case simply cannot be faulted.
Likewise when appearing against them as opponents, they conduct themselves with charismatic fairness whilst never faltering from the task of vigorously fighting for the interests of their clients.
The family courts would be much poorer place without them, both in terms of their personal presence and the assistance they give to judges and the family justice system as a whole.”
TH, Barrister

“I would not hesitate to refer clients who need expert family and matrimonial advice to Miles & Partners matrimonial team because I know they will receive a first class service and client care second to none. Miles & Partners geographical position, on the edge of the City, is perfect for clients who need a flexible and swift service that fits with their day and working patterns.”