Moving in with your partner
Even after decades of living together, a partner may have no rights to the family home whatsoever if they are not married or in a civil partnership. If this applies to you -
- Your partner will have the right to make you leave the property
- You will not be entitled to any of the proceeds of sale of the property unless you can prove you contributed to the mortgage payments or made a significant financial commitment to it
- You may not inherit the property if your partner dies without naming you in his or her will
Children
If the child’s parents are not married, the mother has automatic parental responsibility for the child. The father may too if he is named on the birth certificate. But if he is not he may need to make an application.
Financial matters
There are many situations where unmarried couples are treated differently to married couples or those in civil partnerships.
- Pensions. Entitlement to your partner’s company pension after they die is not always guaranteed. Their state pension is not automatically passed on after they die.
- Tax. If you are not married your inheritance tax threshold is currently £325,000. If you are married or in a civil partnership the threshold is doubled to £650,000 (2010/2011). Married couples also have more flexibility to avoid paying capital gains tax.
Solicitors’ fees
These vary depending on the complexity of the work undertaken and the experience of the solicitor. If you need to get title deeds changed you will also incur Land Registry charges. People on low income may be able to get free advice from solicitors that do legal aid/public funding.
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