My Daughter Is Moving In With Her Boyfriend
September 2025
For many parents, hearing that their daughter is moving in with her partner is a proud and exciting moment. It marks a new stage in her life, but it can also bring questions about what this means for her future security. In England and Wales, couples who live together without marrying do not have the same rights as married couples. Understanding the legal position can help your daughter make informed choices and avoid difficulties later on.
This summary provides general information and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
The Common Law Marriage Myth
Many people believe that if a couple lives together long enough, they will automatically have the same rights as a married couple. In England & Wales, this is a myth. Cohabiting partners do not gain automatic rights over each other’s property or finances, no matter how many years they have been together.
Property Ownership
If your daughter and her partner are buying a home together, the way ownership is recorded is vital. If the property is registered as joint tenants, both partners own it equally, which means that the equity is normally split 50/50 on sale, no matter who paid the deposit. If the property is registered as tenants in common, the shares can be set unequally to reflect who contributed more. This can help protect a larger deposit from one side, whether it comes from personal savings or family support.
Where the home is in only one partner’s name, the other will not usually have automatic rights to it. Unless there is proof of financial contribution or a written agreement, your daughter could be left in a vulnerable position if the relationship ends.
Protecting Deposits and Contributions
Parents often help their children with deposits, and it is natural to want to ensure that this support is protected. A declaration of trust can record exactly how much each partner has contributed and set out how the equity should be divided if the property is sold.
A cohabitation agreement can provide further protection. It can deal not just with the deposit and ownership but also with how bills, mortgage repayments, and other financial responsibilities will be shared during the relationship. By putting this in writing, both partners know where they stand.
Why Agreements Matter
Discussions about money and property may feel uncomfortable when a relationship is new, but they are important. Having clear agreements in place is not a sign of mistrust — it is about fairness and avoiding disputes later on. Without them, disagreements can quickly become complicated and expensive to resolve. With them, both partners, and their families, have clarity and peace of mind.
Looking Ahead
Moving in with a partner is an exciting and positive step, but it is also the right time to think about the practical details. Protecting deposits, understanding how the home is owned, and agreeing on financial arrangements can make all the difference in safeguarding your daughter’s future.
How Can Fullers Help?
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