In recent years, the number of unmarried couples living together has steadily increased. While cohabiting couples enjoy many of the benefits of a committed relationship, they may not be aware of the legal rights and protections available to them. In this blog post, we’ll explore the legal landscape surrounding cohabitation in the UK and discuss what unmarried couples need to know about their rights.
Cohabiting couples, also known as cohabitants, do not have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as “common-law marriage” in the UK, and simply living together does not grant automatic legal rights or protections. This means that if a cohabiting relationship ends, the partners may not be entitled to financial support or a share of each other’s assets, unless specific legal arrangements are in place.
However, cohabiting couples can take steps to protect their rights and interests by entering into a cohabitation agreement. Similar to a prenuptial agreement for married couples, a cohabitation agreement allows partners to formalise their financial arrangements and establish clear guidelines for property ownership, financial support, and other important matters. By creating a cohabitation agreement, couples can mitigate potential disputes and uncertainties in the event of a breakup.
Additionally, cohabiting couples may have certain rights under property and inheritance law. For example, if a couple jointly owns property, each partner may have a legal interest in the property and be entitled to a share of its value upon sale or dissolution of the relationship. Similarly, under inheritance law, a surviving cohabitant may have the right to inherit from their partner’s estate if certain conditions are met.
In conclusion, unmarried couples who live together should be aware of their legal rights and take proactive steps to protect their interests. By understanding the legal landscape surrounding cohabitation and seeking appropriate legal advice, couples can ensure their rights are safeguarded and their relationship is legally recognised.
