Lucia Mills

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT LUCIA MILLS

I specialise in cohabitation issues between unmarried couples who own property together. Contrary to popular opinion, they do not have the same legal rights as married couples.I am experienced in advising cohabiting couples on all areas of the law from how best to legally and financially protect themselves at the start of a relationship through to the importance of making a will and what to do if things go wrong and they part.I am an experienced member of both the Family and Litigation Teams which means I am able to understand the dynamics of a relationship breakdown and use this in my role as cohabitation specialist. I aim to help cohabiting couples ensure from the outset that they are protected legally and if a problem occurs, to advise separating couples on how to reach a settlement. Examples of my work include:•Preparing Cohabitation Agreements – This is a sensible way of formalising the purchase of any property and the subsequent living arrangements. •Incorporating a Declaration of Trust into the Cohabitation Agreement – This can set out the different types of ownership. •Assisting if a dispute arises between a separating couple. If an Agreement is reached I can draft all the necessary paperwork including a separation agreement.•Advising someone who bought a house with their former partner – known as joint ownership – but has since separated. If it is not possible to reach an agreement, I will discuss other options such a mediation or the possibility of bringing a claim under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 Act. Under this Act you are able to bring a claim for an interest in a property and also ask the court for an Order for Sale.