BONALLACK & BISHOP – SOLICITORS IN SALISBURY –  Press release October 2010

Unmarried couples need to prepare for all eventualities say Salisbury law firm

Salisbury family solicitors Bonallack and Bishop warn that many unmarried couples who live together are putting themselves at risk unnecessarily if they don't prepare for all eventualities.

The advice comes after a recent case which involved a man who separated from his co-habiting partner 17 years ago, but who had since been granted a 50% share in the home they once shared, despite never having contributed towards mortgage payments.

The house in question was originally brought by the couple as co-owners and it had stayed in joint names even after their relationship broke down.

Bonallack and Bishop says couples should prepare for a worst case scenario in which they separate and therefore have to cope with dividing their joint property – as couples living together have considerably fewer legal rights than those enjoyed by married couples or those in registered civil partnerships.

Bonallack and Bishop senior partner, Tim Bishop, commented, “Those who decide to live together would be best served getting legal advice from a solicitor before moving in together and upon separating, to safeguard their legal position. Rights surrounding parental responsibility, wills and pensions also differ compared to couples who are married or in a civil partnership. These issues can be explained in detail by a family solicitor.

It's hardly surprisingly at couples don't really want to think about spitting up when moving in together – but however unromantic it may sound, they really do need to consider their legal position early on. If not, they may find it separation brings some very unwelcome surprises with regard to their property. The right legal advice at an early stage can save a lot of heartache not to mention legal costs further down the line if a couple do finally separate.”