Stronger Rights for Millions of Unmarried Couples

The Government launched a consultation on 5 June 2026 on proposed reforms to give greater financial protection to unmarried couples who live together. Potentially affecting more than 3.5 million cohabiting couples.

What is being proposed?

Financial protection on separation
Unmarried couples may be given clearer rights if their relationship ends, including possible access to a share of property or other financial support.

Support for financially vulnerable partners
The proposals aim to reduce hardship where one partner has been financially dependent on the other.

Protection for survivors of domestic abuse
Courts may be asked to give greater weight to domestic abuse, including controlling or coercive behaviour and economic abuse, when deciding financial matters.

Rights where a partner dies without a will
The consultation will consider whether cohabiting partners should have automatic inheritance rights if their partner dies without making a will.

Clearer rules for cohabiting couples
The proposed framework may apply where couples have either:

• lived together for at least three years; or
• have a child together.

Why does this matter?

At present, unmarried couples have limited financial rights if they separate, even after many years together. The proposals are intended to reflect modern family life while keeping marriage and civil partnership as distinct legal statuses

What Should Cohabiting Couples Do Now?

The law has not changed yet. Until any reforms are passed, unmarried couples should take steps to protect themselves, including;

1. Make a Cohabitation Agreement
Set out who owns what, who pays for what, and what should happen if the relationship ends.

2. Record Property Ownership
If you are purchasing a new home together, use a declaration of trust to confirm each person’s share and what happens on sale or separation.

3. Make or Update Wills
Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit if one dies without a will.

Key Message - Do not wait for the law to change. The proposals are still under consultation, so cohabiting couples should put practical protections in place now.

To understand how the proposed changes could affect your circumstances, or what protections you may need to put in place now, contact our family law team to arrange an appointment by calling 01744 626 600 or emailing info@frodshams.co.uk.