More people are cohabiting than ever before yet few non-married couples are aware of the legal standing of their relationship, for example childcare and support, pensions, inheritance and who is entitled to what in the case of a separation.
Many co-habitees mistakenly believe themselves to be a part of a 'common-law marriage'. The reality, however, is that currently unmarried couples enjoy and/or acquire no special rights in relation to each other.
Accordingly, when their relationship ends, whether through separation or death, they are treated as if they are two unrelated individuals no matter how long they have lived together.
That being the case it makes sense to make your own legal arrangements for the future. In the case of a breakdown in the relationship, early advice should be obtained to maximise your claims and protect your position.
Our team
We offer expert advice on cohabitation including advice on the joint ownership of properties.
Our Family Law team is widely recognised as the leading Family Law practise in the Thames Valley and one of the top practises in southern England.
Each of our members belongs to Resolution, (formerly known as the SFLA), which encourages agreement rather than unnecessary confrontation.
The Legal 500 directory of UK law firms consistently lists the Head of Department, Andrew Don, as one of the leading practitioners in the country, praising his ‘positive, sensible and settlement orientated approach’.
Contact our Family law team
You can contact our Family Law team on 0118 951 6800