Stowe Family Law
- What rights do cohabiting couples have on inheritance?If you’re living with your partner and haven’t made a Will, your inheritance rights may be far more limited than you think. Our UK cohabitation law specialists explain what the law actually says, and what you can do about it. Do unmarried couples have automatic inheritance rights in the UK? Unmarried partners have no automatic right to... […]James Leach
- What happens to the joint mortgage when you split up but are not married?Separating is hard enough without uncertainty over your home. If you own property together and are not married, your rights may be more limited than you expect. Our cohabitation law specialists in the UK can help you understand where you stand. What happens to a joint mortgage when you split up and are not married? The mortgage... […]James Leach
- What is a commitment ceremony?A commitment ceremony lets you celebrate your relationship publicly –without the legal status of marriage. As experts in UK cohabitation law, we explain what it means, what it involves, and how to protect yourself legally. What is a commitment ceremony? A commitment ceremony is a formal but non-legally binding celebration in which two people (or, in... […]Ciara Pugh
- What is an enduring family relationship in family law?The Government has recommended in ‘A fairer end to relationships’ that unmarried couples in an ‘enduring family relationship’ should be given legal rights that reflect their contributions to a shared life in the event of separation. Cohabitation expert Ciara Pugh explores what this could mean. What is the legal definition of a family? The law... […]Ciara Pugh
- Can your adult children give you permission to be happy again?It can be really hard to tell your adult children that you are getting divorced. You may feel guilty, especially if you’ve remained in an unhappy relationship ‘for the kids’. In this article, divorce coach Jennie Sutton, Untying the Knot, explains what it felt like to be released from that pressure. “Mum, you don’t have... […]Jennie Sutton
- What rights are there for unmarried couples with children?If you’re an unmarried couple with children, you’ll need to understand your rights and the protections available in the event of separation. By the end of this article, our UK cohabitation law experts will explain what you need to know. What rights do unmarried couples with children have in the UK? Unmarried couples with children in the UK have clear legal rights regarding their children, because the law in England and Wales... […]Samantha Farndale
- Debunking divorce myths: “I’m in a common law marriage”Millions of couples in England and Wales believe common law marriage gives them legal protection, but there is no such thing as a common law marriage. Our cohabitation specialists in the UK explain what the law actually says, and what you can do about it. Does common law marriage still exist in the UK? No, common law marriage was abolished in England and... […]Rachel Joyce
- Can my ex claim money from my new partner? Can my ex claim money from my new partner? Our UK cohabitation law experts explain when a new partner’s finances may be relevant in a divorce financial settlement, and when they are not in England and Wales. Can my ex claim money from my new partner in the UK? No, your ex-spouse cannot directly claim money, assets,... […]martha holland
- What should couples talk about before moving in together?Moving in together is one of life’s biggest milestones, yet few couples talk about what happens if things don’t go to plan. Divorce & Separation Coach Kate Nestor explores the conversations every couple should have before living together and why they matter. When the Government launched its A Fairer End to Relationships consultation, it sparked... […]Kate Nestor
- Living together before marriage: the legal realityThinking about moving in together before you marry? Nowadays, many people do. Yet the law treats cohabiting couples very differently from married ones. Our cohabitation law experts in the UK explain what that really means for you. For many couples, living together before marriage feels like the natural next step. You share a home, split the bills, and maybe raise children together.... […]David Allen