Protecting what matters: wills, probate, and tax planning for cohabiting couples

Available from: 26/02/2025


Approximately 3.6 million are cohabiting couples in the UK —a 144% increase since 1996—cohabiting couples represent the fastest-growing family type, accounting for 18% of all families. Unlike married couples or those in civil partnerships, cohabitees have distinct legal rights that intersect family, trusts, and inheritance law, underscoring the importance of this growing area of practice.

This webinar will explore how to advise individuals entering cohabiting relationships, dispel common myths about cohabitees’ legal rights, and address the unique challenges these couples face during legally complex breakups.

Topics covered include:

  • Cohabitees: current position of families and households in England and Wales
  • Summary of the legal position for cohabitees vs those married and/or in a civil partnership, including a list of common myths.
  • Before cohabiting: legal issues to consider
  • During cohabitation:

o             On purchasing and/or living in shared property

o             Should cohabitee lose capacity and/or ability to make decisions

  • Breakdown of cohabitees’ relationship:

o             How are assets and property divided?

o             Financial provision?

o             Property rights and Trusts and Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996?

o             Minor children?

  • Succession and inheritance rights: on death of a cohabitee

o             Importance of making a Will

o             Tenancies and tax

o             Position under the intestacy rules

o             Funeral and burial wishes

o             Potential legal claims, including property rights

o             Pensions, bereavement benefits/life insurance, and fatal accidents

  • Future reform – such as Cohabitation Rights Bill

Price


Members:  £127.00

Non members:  £175.00

Sole practitioner:  £88.00

All prices ex-VAT

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020 3567 1207 webinars@legalfutures.co.uk
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