Latest Updates For Cohabiting Couples

On Friday 5^th June, a Government consultation was launched to provide over 3.5 million unmarried couples more financial security. For the first time, unmarried couples could have legal rights on separation and death. This to reflect today’s modern society, as cohabiting couples and now the fastest growing family type in the UK.

The consultation hopes to strengthen legal rights and make the separation process less financially difficult for those choosing not to marry. These rights will be completely different to those for married couples. The new framework would apply to couples who have lived together for at least three years or live together and share a child together.

The current system has limited financial rights if a relationship ends. This needs to change to provide individuals with financial security and support though the cost-of-living pressures. Modernising family law with the government’s proposals will help many couples, no matter what their marital status is, to gain financial security and independence at the end of a relationship. The consultation will also impact bereaved partners. It will look at increasing protection for cohabiting couples through giving automatic rights to inherit if their partner dies without a will.

This consultation closes on 14^th August 2026, after this it will be decided whether it will proceed and pass-through Parliament.

Regardless of the outcome of the Government’s consultation, it is always sensible for couples to get their affairs in order and understand their legal and financial position. For unmarried couples living together, a cohabitation agreement can provide clarity and certainty by setting out how finances, property, and other assets will be managed during the relationship and what should happen if the relationship comes to an end. For couples planning to marry, a pre-nuptial agreement can offer similar protection by recording how assets should be treated in the event of a future separation. While no one enters a relationship expecting it to end, taking these steps can help avoid uncertainty, reduce the potential for disputes, and provide peace of mind for both parties.

If you are living with your partner, planning to move in together, or preparing for marriage, we can help you put the right legal protections in place. We offer fixed-fee services for the preparation of both cohabitation agreements and pre-nuptial agreements, providing clear advice and transparent pricing from the outset. If you would like to discuss your circumstances or find out how an agreement could benefit you, please get in touch with our team by clicking the Request a Callback button below, or give us a call on 01623 468 468. We would be happy to talk you through your options and help you take the next step with confidence.