Living Together
More and more people regardless of their sexual preferences are choosing to live together. Many couples believe they will automatically qualify for some protection under the law if their relationship breaks down. There is a general misconception that if you have been living together for a considerable period of time you gain the status of “common law wife” or “common law husband”. No such status is recognised in the British legal system as yet and you do not gain the same rights as if you were married.
Couples living together should consider what they wish to happen to their assets on their death. We encourage all adults to make a will. If you are unmarried or have not registered a Civil Partnership then on your death your estate will automatically pass to your immediate family under the intestacy rules. There are separate rules dealing with the ownership of property. Click here for more details on Wills.
Individuals considering marriage are urged to consider having a Prenuptial Agreement drawn up and if you are not considering marriage but are thinking about living with another person you can enter in to a Cohabitation Agreement. Such Agreements can deal with ownership of the family home, other properties, the finances including belongings. It can also make provision for the financial and living arrangements of the children.