One of the most notable social changes in recent decades in England and Wales is the growth in unmarried cohabitation or domestic partnerships. Sixty years ago, only one in a hundred adults lived with someone outside of marriage. Today, it is one in every six adults. Cohabiting has become a usual way of life for many families.

The Legal Status of a Cohabiting Couple in the UK

Living together gives no legal standing to a couple in the UK, unlike marriage or civil partnerships. There is a misnomer that couples become ‘common law partners’ and gain rights when they have cohabited with one another for a long period of time. This is not correct. Although the term ’common law partners’ is often used, it brings with it no particular rights against the other upon separation.

The UK Law Commission suggested ‘financial relief on separation’ for common law partners in 2007. It would be based on ‘qualifying contributions’ to the relationship, and couples have to have a child together or have lived together for a minimum period. In 2008, it was decided that further research about the cost and effectiveness of such a scheme in the UK are necessary. To date, there has been no indication of what would happen next.  (However, in Scotland, couples can make limited claims against each other when they break up or if a partner dies).

Cohabitation Agreements before Cohabiting

Also known as a ‘living together’ Agreement, Cohabitation Agreements aim to clarify what you will do at the possible breakdown of the relationship.  

Such an Agreement can cover who owns what and how to resolve financial issues, joint accounts, and arrangements for children. As a result, the potential for dispute if your relationship breaks down is significantly reduced.

Make a Will

No matter how long you’ve been together, if you are not legally married to your partner, you cannot claim anything from that person – either at breakup or from their estate after death.  Keeping your Will up to date can cancel out headaches at a later stage.

When a Cohabiting Couple’s Relationship Breaks Down

Whether or not you have entered into a Cohabitation Agreement, this does not prevent disputes arising. A family home is usually a huge dispute point – perhaps you own an equity share, but your name is not on the title deed. So what happens when you separate? Robertsons Family Law can advise on the possible need to use a TOLATA claim to determine your beneficial rights and/or force the sale of a property and help you recover what you spent.

The area of the law that deals with domestic partnerships are very fact-specific. Perhaps you want to establish the legal standing of your Cohabitation Agreement or need to establish your rights if no Agreement exists. It is essential to talk to a family law professional to understand your legal position.

There is also the possibility of entering into a Separation Agreement which sets out how property is going to be distributed and help prevent any future claim that your partner could make against you.

The blended family

Another aspect of cohabiting is children from previous relationships.  An unmarried partner does not have parental responsibility for a partner’s child and is not legally obliged to share any financial burdens. However, some couples agree to share childcare costs, which may have legal implications if one partner should die. Again, Robertsons Family Law can help you understand your legal position.

Read more about this topic on our Legal Insights pages: Cohabitation Agreements and Cohabitant Claims.

FAQs on Cohabitation and Cohabitation Agreements