The number of cohabiting couples has more than doubled from 1.5 million in 1996 to 3.3 million in 2017.
A campaign has been launched calling for a change in the law to support couples who live together.
Resolution (who campaign for improvements to the family justice system) has declared the week beginning November 27 as Cohabitation Awareness Week and lawyers across the country will be lobbying MPs to urge changes in the law.
According to Resolution, 47 per cent of the public aged 18-34 think cohabiting couples have the same legal rights as their married counterparts – that is unfortunately not the case. Despite the myth of ‘common law marriage’, under current cohabitation law, unmarried couples will discover they have limited legal rights when the relationship breaks down, even when they have lived with someone for a long time.
One way to prevent disputes in this area is with a legally-binding Cohabitation Agreement.
Agreements such as this can prevent any lengthy, distressing & expensive disputes from arising should one partner subsequently move out or if the relationship breaks down.
If you would like further legal advice or guidance regarding the Cohabitation Agreement – contact our specialist family team on 01792 468684 or email enquiries@pgmsolicitors.co.uk.
