Changes to social attitudes have seen a massive rise in the number of people who choose to live together without getting married.
Cohabiting is the fastest growing trend in the demographics in family life in 2025. However, unmarried cohabitation solicitors in North Wales and other areas have noticed that along with this new emphasis on family life, there is also an alarming rise in the number of cohabitees who would not know how to deal with an estate in the event of their partners death.
A recent survey undertaken by the charity Will Aid, which heads the national campaign to encourage more Will writing, has found that two thirds of unmarried couples who live together did not understand the intricacies of estate planning for the future. Many of these couples mistakenly believed that they will automatically inherit their partner’s estate if they die. Many others did not have a clue what would happen to property if one of the partners died.
Misunderstandings about these laws are still prevalent, but solicitors have pointed out that this concept was phased out many years ago and even long-term relationships do not have automatic inheritance rights. Committed unmarried couples have been urged, therefore, to take legal advice as soon as possible to prepare their Wills. This means that each partner can be provided for in the event of a death.
Talk to us now at Bennett Smith Solicitors and allow us to help you to start planning your estate and Will.
