On the afternoon of Tuesday 14 October 2025, I was delighted to join The Dura Society webinar hosted by Lottie Leefe, to discuss financial protection for unmarried couples and families.
Cohabiting couples are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, yet they remain the least protected by law. Unlike married couples, there is no legal framework to recognise caregiving, shared finances, or the economic reality of a shared life.
When relationships break down, disputes are handled under civil law, a system designed for business conflicts rather than family welfare, leaving many partners – particularly primary caregivers – at a significant disadvantage.
The discussion highlighted the persistent myth of "common-law marriage," a status that does not exist in England and Wales. Without formal agreements or Wills, separating partners may face costly litigation, and surviving partners may inherit nothing. This legal gap disproportionately affects women, who are more likely to take career breaks and shoulder unpaid care, leaving them financially vulnerable.
We explored practical steps couples can take now, including cohabitation agreements, deeds of trust, and making Wills, as well as updating life insurance and pension nominations. While these measures cannot replicate the protections of marriage, they provide clarity and security.
Reform is urgently needed to bring the law in line with modern family life, and conversations like this, hosted by The Dura Society, are vital in driving awareness and change.
Read the full article on The Dura Society website [external link].