It is now generally recognised that unmarried couples do not have automatic rights to each other’s estate when one of them dies. However, polls carried out in 2025 have suggested that the majority of adults feel that the law should be changed to reflect changing relationships and attitudes.
Solicitors still currently advise cohabiting couples to ensure their Wills are up to date, as partners will be left unprotected if this action is not undertaken.
It is estimated that well over half of the adult population in the UK feel that a change of law is needed to protect unmarried couples. Worryingly, it appears that the vast majority of couples who live together but remain unmarried are unaware that they have no automatic rights to their partner’s estate.
After a speech in the House of Commons this year by Lord Ponsonby, it is expected that a review of current laws will be reviewed. This is in line with more modern and diverse types of relationships that are no longer represented in current, older laws. Will writing solicitors have noticed that there is a grey area in legislation that leaves many unmarried people vulnerable to financial difficulties if their other half dies without making or updating their Will.
At Bennett Smith Solicitors, we have specialist Will writing solicitors in North Wales. Talk to us now and discuss in detail matters relating to making or updating your Will if you are part of an unmarried couple.
