Many cohabiting couples think that they have the same rights as married couples or those in a civil partnership should one of them die.

1. Cohabiting couples think they have the same rights as a married couple
should one of them die.
Many cohabiting couples think they have the same
legal rights as people who are married or in a civil
partnership should one of them die. Think again!
There are over five million couples living together in England and Wales in
cohabitation, and they are given legal protection in several areas. However,
they and their families have significantly fewer rights and responsibilities than
people who are married or who have formed a civil partnership.
Many people think that after living with their partner for a few years, they
become 'common law husband and wife' with the same rights as married
couples. This is not the case. In fact, couples who live together have hardly any
of the same rights as married couples or civil partners.
There is no such thing as ‘common law marriage’ it is a myth.
If you are living together as a couple, there are steps you can take to protect
yourself and your partner. There are also ways to minimise the legal and
financial problems which may arise if you decide to separate, or if one of you
dies. By writing a Will you can circumvent many of these issues, without one
your partner may end up with nothing !
Berkeley Trusts and Wills
www.btwills.co.uk