Financial Rights of Cohabitees
Within 15 years, it is believed that as many as one in three households will be made up of cohabitees, rather than married couples or civil partners.
Many people, however, are unaware of how few rights they have in the event of a break-up, with most of the rights that do exist being centred on the children of any relationship.
This situation is set to change, following the publication by the Law Commission of a 400-page document called 'Cohabitation - the financial consequences of relationship breakdown'. It is unlikely, however, that any of its recommendations will come into force before 2008, including rights of inheritance, claims to property and pension rights and contact with children.
In the meantime, it is important that cohabiting couples understand what rights they do and do not have - please call Julia Smart for an informal discussion of the likely consequences if your relationship should come to an end or to discuss what steps you can take now to protect your position.
Call Julia Smart on 0117 9290451 or email jsmart@metcalfes.co.uk
This press release summarises the law on issues which we believe may be of interest to your business. It is not a comprehensive review of the subjects and accordingly is published without responsibility for loss occasioned to any person(s) acting or refraining from action as a result of information published