Cohabitation Nation - Resolution Campaign

This week is Cohabitation Awareness week. This is promoted by Resolution, and organisation which our Family Team are a part of.

What is Resolution?

Resolution’s 6,500 members are family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Frettens Solicitors are proud members of Resolution.

Members of Resolution follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems and encourage solutions that consider the needs of the whole family - and in particular the best interests of children.

Cohabitation week - what is the idea behind this?

Despite the myth of ‘common law marriage’, under current cohabitation law it’s possible to live with someone for decades and even to have children together and then simply walk away without taking any responsibility for a former partner when the relationship breaks down.

Cohabitation week is aimed at promoting these issues and raising awareness of the lack of rights for cohabiting couples.

Resolution have created this video as part of the campaign, which we are pleased to share.

Andrew Stynes is a Family Solicitor and Head of our Family Team. He says, “Nearly a third of adults in England and Wales mistakenly think that couples acquire 'common law' rights after being married for a certain amount of time or having children together. This is not the case, and trusting in these non-existant protections can put unmarried partners at a significant disadvantage if the relationship breaks down. There are actions a couple can take to make sure they are protected -- but they first need to know they are vulnerable.”

Our Family Team are happy to discuss any issues that this raises for you. If you have any questions, you only have to ask us at Frettens. Please call 01202 499255 and Andrew or a member of the team will be happy to chat about your situation and your particular requirements.