Separation ========== Living together without being married can raise important legal and financial questions. Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners do not have automatic rights over each other's property or assets. But since Law no. 76/2016 (the "Cirinnà Law"), cohabiting partners can formalise aspects of their life together and protect themselves with a clear, written agreement that can help protect both parties and avoid disputes in the future. --- [REQUEST A FOLLOW-UP](https://vardags.com/it-en/contact/consultation "REQUEST A FOLLOW-UP") HOW CAN VARDAGS HELP YOU? -------------------------- #### Property and Financial Matters The division of assets depends on whether a cohabitation agreement was signed: - Without a Cohabitation Agreement: Each partner retains ownership of assets acquired in their name. Contributions made during the relationship (financial or otherwise) are generally considered non-refundable, unless they are disproportionate to the contributor's means. Jointly owned assets are subject to standard co-ownership rules. - With a Cohabitation Agreement: Italian Law allows partners to regulate financial matters through a written agreement to define how financial and property matters will be managed during the relationship and in the event of separation or the premature death of one partner. Vardags can help you to set clear terms in advance, providing security and peace of mind for both parties. #### Right to Maintenance - Unlike spousal support, the financially weaker partner may request maintenance only if they are in need and unable to support themselves. This is granted by a judge and is limited to basic living needs, proportionate to the duration of the relationship. #### Child Protection - Parental responsibilities remain unchanged after separation. Children born out of wedlock have equal rights. In case of disagreement, the court decides on: custody (typically shared), residence, visitation, child support, extraordinary expenses. WHY CHOOSE VARDAGS? -------------------- Vardags is renowned for delivering life-changing results in high-stakes, international divorce matters, and has become the go-to choice for HNW and UHNW individuals facing complex family law issues. Our team combines the best legal expertise with strategic thinking to deliver exceptional results. We offer a free consultation to suitable clients — wealthy individuals, successful entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-profile individuals with complex family matters. In this consultation, we take the time to understand your goals and work tirelessly to secure solutions that safeguard your future (whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or ensuring your children's welfare). [BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW](https://vardags.com/it-en/contact/consultation "BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW") "Ayesha Vardag - 'diva of divorce' for the world's super rich" ![BBC](https://vardags.com/it-en/images/logo/bbc.png) "If you want the best, look no further"![Legal500](https://vardags.com/it-en/images/logo/legal-500.png) "I would use this firm for ANY matter in the future."Client OUR TEAM -------- [### Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/milan/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [### Maria Fiorito](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/milan/maria "Maria Fiorito Vardags Partner Family Law") [### Iacopo Tozzi](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/florence/iacopo-tozzi "Iacopo Tozzi") [Founder & President](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/milan/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [Partner - Dual Qualified (Italy & England)](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/milan/maria "Maria Fiorito Vardags Partner Family Law") [Senior Consultant](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/florence/iacopo-tozzi "Iacopo Tozzi") [### Ayesha Vardag Founder & President](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/milan/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")"Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." The Telegraph [### Maria Fiorito Partner - Dual Qualified (Italy & England) ](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/milan/maria "Maria Fiorito Vardags Partner Family Law")"Leading lawyer at Vardags" La Repubblica [### Iacopo Tozzi Senior Consultant ](https://vardags.com/it-en/solicitors/florence/iacopo-tozzi "Iacopo Tozzi")"A formidably strong family law firm which acts in the most high-profile cases of the country" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/it-en/team) Types of clients we serve ------------------------- ### WEALTHY INTERNATIONAL INDIVIDUALS We advise internationally mobile clients with personal, financial or business ties to Italy, alongside assets in the UK or other jurisdictions. These matters typically involve high-value cross-border wealth and offshore structures, requiring expertise in jurisdictional overlap. ### WEALTHY ITALIAN INDIVIDUALS We work with Italian individuals and families, from affluent professionals to aristocrats with generational wealth. These matters often involve domestic and international assets tied to family interests, reputation and long-term preservation. ### HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS We advise founders and entrepreneurs whose wealth is closely linked to privately held businesses, often across Italian and international markets. These matters typically involve shareholdings, valuation, ownership and ongoing enterprise. ### LEADING FINANCIERS, BUSINESSPEOPLE, AND PROFESSIONALS We act for globally-minded individuals at the highest levels of finance, business and professional life. These matters typically involve complex remuneration structures and investments shaped by corporate frameworks and personal holdings. ### HIGH PROFILE INDIVIDUALS We represent individuals with significant public visibility, including professional athletes, royalty, global influencers and public figures. These matters typically involve international assets, alongside heightened sensitivity around privacy, reputation and public scrutiny. OUR FULL RANGE OF SERVICES -------------------------- Our team of leading lawyers provides expert guidance to unmarried couples, particularly involving complex and cross-border cases. We provide specialised legal advice on topics including cohabitation and separation agreements, mediation, and assets tracing and valuation. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/it-en/services/unmarried-couples "Unmarried couples") Our team helps clients navigate divorce, including financial settlements, maintenance, and child arrangements. We also advise on cross-border cases and complex asset division, and international enforcement of orders. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/it-en/services/separation-divorce-finances "Separation, Divorce and Finances") International divorce involves complex issues of jurisdiction, applicable law, and recognition of foreign judgments. Vardags provides expert guidance on these matters, including financial strategy, asset tracing, and cross-border child arrangements. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/it-en/services/international-divorce "International divorce") Our legal team provides expert guidance for those seeking support with child maintenance, relocation and abduction. We offer specialised legal advice on areas including financial support, cross-border strategy, and court representation. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/it-en/services/children-arrangements "Children Arrangements") Vardags' leading lawyers help clients navigate inheritance, wills and probate, including cross-border succession planning, disputes and litigation, asset protection and tax strategy. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/it-en/services/inheritance-wills-probate "Inheritance, Wills and Probate")