Each year Resolution run an Awareness Week focusing on various topics within family law.
This year Resolution are celebrating their 40th anniversary and launching their vision for family justice. The focus during Awareness Week is the need for reform in laws relating to cohabitation.
At the present time there is very little legal protection for those separating couples who are not married. Many people believe that there is a ‘common law marriage’ but that is in fact a myth and currently cohabiting parties are not recognised as couples in the eyes of the law.
This means that one party can often be in a vulnerable position when facing breakdown in a relationship and despite contributing towards rent, mortgage or bills, may find themselves walking away with nothing, regardless of the length of the relationship.
Resolution are campaigning for change to provide better legal protection for cohabitees. In the meantime, there are various ways couples can protect themselves by ensuring that properties are rented or purchased in joint names, obtaining a declaration of trust in respect of property where necessary and considering entering into a cohabitation agreement.
If you would like to seek some advice about any of the above information please contact a member of the family team https://gwynjames.co.uk/service/family/
Article by
Katie Powell
https://gwynjames.co.uk/employees/katie-powell/
