According to a Law Commission paper, unmarried couples could be given similar pension and property rights as people who are married or in a civil partnership.
The Government asked the Law Commission to carry out a review to see if the law should be changed to give people living together more financial rights on separation or death.
The paper proposes that although cohabitants should not have the same rights as divorcees, there should be a 'scheme of financial remedies' in limited circumstances. How long the couple have been together and whether they have any children are some of the criteria that couples would have to comply with to be eligible for these new rights.
The Law Commission is also looking at changing the rules where a person dies intestate to see whether the surviving partner has automatic inheritance rights. At present, they have to apply to a court to grant them a discretionary award, dependent on need.
Our view
We beleive the law adequately covers the position already. If it is property that is jointly owned, then it automatically passes on, if it is other assets, then proof is required.
Marriage or civil partnerships are legally binding agreements where you agree to share your wealth, un-married couples have chosen not to. Sharing should therefore only be made where you have a contractual agreement e.g. a property purchase or mortgage contract or where entitlement can be proved.