'I'm leaving.. and so is Fido': Couples include their PETS in cohabitation agreements, survey reveals
Pets are so much part of the family that some couples even consider including them in a cohabitation agreement in case they split up.
This would be an option for nearly half of unmarried couples with a pet, reveals a survey.
But only about a quarter (26 per cent) of those who live together have taken the step of having a written agreement in place.
This leaves them at risk of complications if the relationship ends in terms of splitting assets, property and responsibilities like pets, according to Co-op Legal Services, which commissioned the research ahead of Valentine's Day.
According to business data from the organisation, cohabitation agreement sales have surged by 200 per cent over the past five years.
The survey findings also indicated about a third (34 per cent) of people cohabiting with a partner stated they either have no intention of getting married in the next 10 years or are unsure whether they will do so.
The average value of assets held between cohabiting partners is £394,000, increasing to £520,545 among people aged over 55, according to the research.
While the primary focus of a cohabitation agreement is typically on property and financial assets, the survey also revealed some other items that couples would want to safeguard.
Only about a quarter (26 per cent) of those who live together have taken the step of having a written agreement in place
Some 44 per cent of cohabiting couples who share pets with their partners would consider including their pets in a cohabitation agreement
One in six (16 per cent) of those surveyed listed jewellery and watches as assets they would like to protect in the event of separation.
Some 44 per cent of cohabiting couples who share pets with their partners would consider including their pets in a cohabitation agreement.
Ben Evans, lead family law solicitor at Co-op Legal Services, said: 'As more people opt for cohabitation instead of marriage, these agreements will continue to gain in popularity.'
Opinion Matters surveyed 1,000 people across the UK in January who are cohabiting with a partner.
