“But we’ve lived together for years — surely I have rights?”
If you’re living with your partner but aren’t married or in a civil partnership, you’re not alone. Over 3.6 million couples in the UK cohabit – and yet, the law hasn’t caught up.
Right now, cohabiting couples have no automatic legal rights if the relationship ends. That means:
- No right to a fair share of property (even after 20+ years together)
- No entitlement to spousal maintenance
- No guaranteed inheritance if your partner dies without a will
At Moss & Coleman, we see how devastating this can be — especially for people who’ve built a life together, raised children, or sacrificed careers, only to find themselves legally unprotected.
Is the Law Changing?
There’s growing pressure for reform. In 2022, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee called on the government to bring in basic protections for long-term cohabiting couples.
But as of 2025, no change has been made.
That means if you’re not married, your legal rights are still limited — no matter how long you’ve lived together.
What Happens If We Break Up?
Unless you jointly own a property or have formal agreements in place, you could walk away with nothing — even if you contributed financially or cared for children.
Here’s what doesn’t exist for cohabiting couples:
- No “common law marriage” (that’s a myth)
- No automatic right to your partner’s pension
- No legal claim to maintenance for yourself (only for children)
How You Can Protect Yourself
You don’t need to wait for the law to change. There are practical steps you can take right now:
- Cohabitation Agreement
A legally binding contract that sets out:
- Who owns what
- What happens if you split
- How bills, debts, and assets are shared
- Declaration of Trust
If you’re buying a home together, this sets out who owns how much — crucial if contributions aren’t equal.
- Update Your Will
Without one, your partner may inherit nothing if you die. A will protects both your wishes and your loved one.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With marriage rates falling and house prices rising, more couples are cohabiting — often pooling finances without realising the legal risks.
At Moss & Coleman, we help clients:
- Create fair and enforceable cohabitation agreements
- Navigate complex breakups where there’s no marriage
- Secure housing, child arrangements, or financial support
- Update wills and ownership structures to reflect real life
Talk to Us Today
If you’re living with your partner — or separating after years together — we can help you understand your rights and protect your future.
Book a confidential chat with our family law team
Call: 01708 446781
Email: mail@mosco.co.uk
