Clare Radcliffe, Partner in the Family team, has written an educational piece for the FT Adviser on proposed reforms to the financial rights of cohabiting couples.
The article explains the current law and the Ministry of Justice's proposals to introduce financial remedies for certain cohabitants when a relationship ends, alongside possible automatic inheritance rights in the absence of a will. Clare also provides practical guidance for advisers on property ownership for cohabiting couples, cohabitation agreements, estate planning, and documenting family contributions.
Highlighting the importance of planning ahead, Clare said: The prospect of a new cohabitation regime makes it increasingly important that the ownership of assets, the source of significant financial contributions and the intentions of family members providing money or assets are clearly recorded from the outset.
Read the full article (subscription required)