New research has found that couples who are not married lack clarity about their rights in law should they decide to separate.
This is the major finding of research that the Ellisons legal firm commissioned. It spoke to unmarried couples of various ages, with close to one quarter of them not knowing what their legal position would be in the event of a separation. A total of 23% said this, but that went up to 30% among those who are 18 to 34 years of age. It lays bare the need for these people to talk with unmarried cohabitation solicitors in North Wales, who can clarify their legal rights.
Among those who do know where they stand, there is widespread dissatisfaction. Close to one quarter of the people who took part in the research said separating couples who have lived together for a long time should have greater legal rights. Another 24% said that rights should be strengthened in cases involving children.
Anna Cross works in the family law division at Ellisons. She told Today’s Family Lawyer that too many cohabiting couples believe they have the same rights as married people.
She went on to add:
“Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Family life has changed enormously over the years and more couples are choosing to live together before getting married, or without marrying at all.”
This is backed up by recent data showing a 10-year decline in marriage rates.
For solicitors in Llandudno who can advise on cohabitation legal rights, give Bennett Smith Solicitors a call today.
