Many people believe that living together over a long period provides partners with the same legal rights as married couples. Such a belief in ‘common law marriage’ is simply incorrect and cohabitees seeking to protect their position need professional advice from expert solicitors. As an unmarried partner, you may invest years of your life in a relationship only to find you have no entitlement to capital, maintenance or a pension.
We are family law specialists. Our solicitors can help ensure that you do not fall foul of the common law marriage myth. We are able to advise on the following:
- The implications of living together
- Safeguarding your interests
- Drafting cohabitation contracts and agreements
- Property issues on relationship breakdown
- Children issues
The law has yet to reflect deep-rooted changes in society. Until such time as legislation protects cohabitees, partners should seek professional advice from experienced solicitors rather than believe the common law marriage myth.