I am not married. Do I have rights?

A lot of people believe that unmarried couples who live together have rights/claims against each other through Common Law.  The term ‘Common Law’ is still used today but Common Law marriage was abolished in 1753.

Often cohabiting couples believe that they achieve rights against each other after a period of time. The belief is that this will result in co0habitees as having the same right as those who have married or in a Civil Partnership. This is not the case. 

If you are in a cohabiting relationship you do not have the same rights as a divorcing couple.  Cohabitees have no automatic claims against each other. 

On commencing cohabitation, you could enter into a Cohabitation Agreement to provide certainty in the event of a relationship breakdown.  A Cohabitation Agreement can also set out the agreement as to how finances are to be dealt with during the course of the relationship.

If you wish to discuss matters further please contact Jane Longworth