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Sat, 04 Jul 2026

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 What could new rights for unmarried couples mean for your money?

Co-habiting couples in England and Wales could be given more protections if they break up under new government proposals.
Current situation: In the UK, cohabiting couples have no automatic rights to each other's property or finances if they separate, unlike married couples. Proposed changes: The government is considering proposals that would give cohabiting couples more rights and protections, including:
* Automatic inheritance of a partner's property
* Right to joint ownership of assets purchased together
* Protection from being evicted from jointly-owned property Opt-out system: Couples who do not want to be subject to these new rules would have the option to opt out, but this could involve getting independent legal advice and disclosing their financial situation to their partner. Other countries' approaches: The article also looks at how other countries, such as Australia and Sweden, handle cohabiting relationships. In both countries, there are some rights and protections for cohabiting couples, but the specifics vary. Implications for individuals: The article includes personal stories of people who have been affected by the lack of rights for cohabiting couples in the UK. One woman, Amelia, shares her experience of being left without any assets after a relationship ended, and is now qualified as a will writer to encourage others to make their own arrangements. Criticisms and concerns: Some critics argue that the proposals would undermine individual freedom and choice, while others are concerned about the potential for disputes over who should be granted rights in a cohabiting relationship.