Our Managing Director, and accredited family law solicitor, Hasan Hadi has called on unmarried couples in London to take action to protect themselves, as they could be vulnerable if the relationship breaks down.

Hasan made the calls as part of a national Cohabitation Awareness Week that is being led by Resolution, who campaign for a fairer family justice system.

Cohabitation Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about the lack of rights that exist for unmarried couples who live together.

There are about 7 million people in the UK living in this type of relationship, making this the fastest growing family type in the country.

Hasan explained that most couples he has worked with mistakenly believed that they acquire “common law” rights after living with their partner for a certain amount of time or having children together.

Local MP Bambos Charalambous met with Hasan to discuss how Parliament can change the law to give cohabiting couples more protection.

Hasan said further to the meeting:

“The sad reality is that unmarried couples in London have very limited legal rights and responsibilities towards each other if the relationship breaks down.

I regularly meet people who have been affected in this way, and because of the lack of legal protection, there are times when I simply can’t help them.

This is why I urge all cohabiting couples in London and across England and Wales to consider taking out basic protections, such as a cohabitation agreement to protect both partners if they separate, or think about life insurance. By setting out your intentions in these documents, you’ll be in a much better situation if the unexpected happens.”

Partners who are either planning to cohabit, or going through a separation should seek expert legal advice about their rights and seek to draw up documents to provide both of them, and any children of the parties, security and reassurance.

What do I do now?

If you are thinking of moving in with your partner, or purchasing a property together we would strongly recommend you seek expert legal advice from an expert cohabitation solicitor to protect your interest and any contributions. In many circumstances, all that will be required is a detailed deed of trust or cohabitation agreement to secure a legal interest and protect your rights.

It is highly recommended that you speak to a qualified cohabitation solicitor before moving in or purchasing a property or assets with a partner, or if you are going through a separation.

Our expert cohabitation solicitors are always on hand for a free chat on 0208 004 0065, or you can fill in the enquiry form below and we will call you back to discuss your issues further.