Do you live with your partner but are not married or in a civil partnership?
Yes?
Did you know that your relationship does not entitle you to make financial claims against your partner if you separated?
No?
Then you should read this…
Approximately 3.6 million couples in the UK live together on an unmarried basis and this is becoming the norm. If this is you, you may be surprised to learn that if you were to separate, you would not have any automatic rights to claim money against your partner, as married couples or those in a civil partnership do, even if you have children together.
You may have an interest in the family home and other property, and sorting this out is complicated enough. You may also be able to claim on behalf of your children. You would not be entitled however, to claim against assets held in your partners’ names or against pensions. Neither would you be able to seek maintenance from your partner, (other than for children).
There is discussions to review the current position and provide couples living together as a family additional rights; legislation is still awaited.
Whilst any reform is long overdue, there are still steps which can be taken to provide some protection. If you would like to learn more about your legal status as a cohabitee and how you may be able to protect yourself, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced team of family lawyers here at Awdry Law.
We offer friendly, pragmatic advice and an initial free consultation. Click here to contact us today.
