Cohabiting couples at risk – make a Will

The Office of National Statistics reported earlier this year that there had been a 33% rise in the number of unmarried couples since 2005.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, during this time there has also been a rise in the problems which result when an unmarried partner dies without making a Will.

The number of unmarried couples living as a family has almost tripled in the last decade, making it the fastest growing family type. Under the rules of intestacy, only married couples, civil partners and some family relatives can inherit assets if someone dies without a Will. A couple living together as cohabitees have no legal rights to any of their partners assets should they die intestate (without making a Will), regardless of how long they have been together.

Currently, the Cohabitation Rights Bill is passing through Parliament which will better protect the rights of people who have lived together but are not married. However, it is unlikely to be effective until next year at the earliest.

Therefore ensuring that your Will is up to date means your estate can be dealt with as you would want and as smoothly as possible, reducing the likelihood of loved ones being unintentionally excluded when it comes to their inheritance.

If you would like to arrange a meeting to make your Will or review your existing testamentary arrangements, please call us or send an email to wills@ashtongrace.co.uk