Research by the Co-operative Legal
Services has uncovered growing confusion among the public about what rights
people who live together unmarried have to property and contact with their
children in the event of a break-up.
It found that people wrongly believe
that couples who live together have the same financial rights as married
couples because of a widespread belief in the notion of “common law” marriage.
At the same time they thought, again
wrongly, that they would not have the same rights to see their children after a
break-up as those who were married or formal civil partners.
Official figures have shown that
cohabitation is becoming the norm, even for couples planning to start a family,
with almost equal numbers of babies born in and outside of marriage.
Jenny Beck, Director of Family Law at
The Co-operative Legal Services, said: “It’s clear that the modern family
continues to evolve, but it’s concerning to see that understanding of our legal
rights lags behind – meaning many of us could be left vulnerable.
“It is important to understand that
couples who cohabit aren’t recognised in the same way as married couples are.
The law is different and can be complicated, especially when a relationship
ends and there are children involved.
If you’re cohabiting and considering
separating come and talk to us - there are ways of safeguarding your rights,
and your contact to your children.
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