Navigating cohabitation property rights for unmarried couples

In this episode, Kate was joined by Angela Lally who is a qualified solicitor specialising in Family Law to discuss cohabitation when a relationship ends.

Released: 8 March 2023
Updated: 1 April 2025
32 MIN
#78
The legal bit

In this episode, Kate was joined by Angela Lally who is a qualified solicitor specialising in Family Law to discuss cohabitation when a relationship ends.

About the episode:

Kate and Angela begin the episode by discussing the rights cohabitating couples have compared with those who are married or in civil partnerships. Many will be surprised to learn there is no such thing as a common-law husband or wife, and this myth can have some dangerous financial consequences. They look at ways to protect yourself from future conflict if your relationship breaks down after cohabiting and complications around property whether or you’re not named on the deeds. Perhaps the biggest contrast between how finances are dealt with for married and cohabiting relationships is to do with pensions and the inequality this can create for anyone sacrificing a career to care for children. They finish with their thoughts on cohabitation law reforms and in their absence, the advice to make sure you engage your partner in a conversation about your finances if you are cohabiting in England or Wales.

About our guests:

With over 20 years’ of experience, Angela Lally has focused her practice on the financial aspects arising out of relationship breakdown, for both married and cohabiting couples. 

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

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