Family Law
Lady Hale of The UK Supreme Court has spoken out in favour of greater legal rights for cohabiting couples in England and Wales.
In Scotland a former cohabitee who has suffered ‘economic disadvantage in the interests of’ their former cohabitee can claim a sum of money from them.
The UK Supreme court considered this part of the Act in the case of Gow v Grant [2012]. The Supreme Court upheld a previous ruling that Mr Grant should pay Ms Gow £39,500 as he had encouraged her to sell her house to move in with him and the proceeds of the sale had partially been used for their living expenses.
Lady Hale has said there are “lessons to be learned” from this case and that England and Wales need ‘some such remedy’ as it does not impose marriage responsibilities on unmarried couples but rectifies the gains and losses resulting from the relationship.
Family Solicitors and Lawyers Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate, East Sussex
If you are cohabiting and would like advice on your legal rights please contact our Family Law Department for a free initial interview on Eastbourne 01323 727321 or Hailsham 01323 841481.
Guy Brown
Carolyn Richards
Alexandra Funnell
Nicholas Dennis
Please note the above is for information purposes only and is intended to be a short summary. It should not be treated as a comprehensive guide and should not be acted on without qualified legal advice.
