Unmarried couples in West Yorkshire at risk of losing everything if the relationship breaks down

A local family lawyer has called on unmarried couples in West Yorkshire to take action to protect themselves, as they could be vulnerable if the relationship breaks down.

Sarah Crowther from Chadwick Lawrence made the calls as part of a national Cohabitation Awareness Week that is being led by Resolution, who campaign for a fairer family justice system.

Cohabitation Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about the lack of rights that exist for unmarried couples who live together.

There are about 7 million people in the UK living in this type of relationship, making this the fastest growing family type in the country.

Sarah explained that most couples she worked with mistakenly believe that they acquire “common law” rights after living with their partner for a certain amount of time or having children together.

Sarah said:

“The sad reality is that unmarried couples in West Yorkshire have very limited legal rights and responsibilities towards each other if the relationship breaks down.

I regularly meet people who have been affected in this way, and because of the lack of legal protection, there are times when I simply can’t help them.

This is why I urge all cohabiting couples in West Yorkshire to consider taking out basic protections, such as a cohabitation agreement to protect both partners if they separate, or think about life insurance. By setting out your intentions in these documents, you’ll be in a much better situation if the unexpected happens.”

Sarah added that Resolution had made resources available, both to the public but also local advice providers, such as mortgage advisers, to help them spread the word to cohabiting couples they work with.

For advice on your rights if you are in a cohabiting relationship contact our team on 0800 015 0340.  We have offices in Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Horbury, Morley, Pudsey and Leeds.