Common Law Marriage Myth

A survey of Members of Parliament has revealed that 69% agree there is a mistaken belief in the existence of ‘common law marriage’ and that 57% believe the law needs to be changed to provide greater protection for unmarried couples upon separation.

The survey was commissioned by Resolution and it reveals that cohabitation is the fastest growing family type in the UK, yet there is little or no protection for couples should they separate. In 2012, there were 5.9m people cohabiting in the UK, double the 1996 figure.  Responding to the survey’s findings, Steve Kirwan, who leads Resolution’s work on cohabitation, said:

“This poll of MPs confirms the findings of a public survey in 2008, in which 51% of respondents believed, incorrectly, that cohabitants had the same rights as married couples”

For advice on Living Together Agreements or your potential claims upon separation from your partner please contact Amanda Weaver by email or telephone.