Marriages on the Decline - are non-married couples assets any more secure?

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) the number of marriages during 2013 fell by 8.6% on the previous year.

Whether this will be a continuing trend remains to be seen.

Some sources suggest the reason for the decline may have been due to superstition and couples not wanting to be married in 2013.

The real rason will never be known. What it does suggest is that an increasing number of people prefer to cohabit.

We find that most cohabiting couples are in the dark as to what will happen to their assets upon separation. Some are under the misapprehension that not being married is sufficient to protect their assets.

They are wrong!

This is a complex area of law, and depends on the circumstances of each case. For example the mere fact the property is registered in one person’s name does not necessarily mean the other person has no interest in it. They may be able to establish what is known as a beneficial interest in the property.

The situation may be even more complicated if there are children involved. The resident parent may be able to issue an application on behalf of the children for financial provision for the non-resident parent to cover any number of expenses such as including school fees etc.

The family Team at George Green are highly experienced at dealing with these types of matters and advising couples who intend to cohabit as to what steps they can take to protect their assets. If you wish to discuss your matter with one of our specialist divorce and family lawyers then contact either Mark Vandaele at our Wolverhampton office on 01902 796930 or click here to send an email or contact Rachel Baker at our Cradley Heath office on 01384 340580 or click here to send an email. We offer a free initial telephone case assessment, which will allow us to advise you as to what the appropriate next steps are.

George Green LLP is a leading full service law firm and recognised as such in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Our lawyers make a difference by helping our clients succeed. We have offices in Cradley Heath and Wolverhampton.