Protecting and Claiming Assets
Cohabitants and Unmarried Couples
Live in couples can still have legal rights despite the government’s decision to shelve plans to give cohabiting partners similar rights to married couples (see here).
Couples can sign a cohabitation agreement to give them stronger rights should their partner die or the relationship end.
Law Society President John Wotton says:
“Although the Government has chosen not to legislate to give cohabiting couples the same rights as married couples, couples can sit down with their solicitor and draft a cohabitation agreement which caters for all eventualities”.
“Unlike pre-nuptial agreements for married couples, cohabitation agreements are recognised by the courts in England & Wales as being legally binding. It is not yet established that pre-nuptial agreements for married couples are binding in the courts”.
If you are an unmarried couple wishing to review your rights or you would like us to prepare a cohabitation agreement please contact our Family department for a free initial appointment to discuss your options. Please call Eastbourne: 01323 727321 or Hailsham: 01323 841481.