No, unmarried couples do not have the same rights, protections or status as married couples. If you are not married to your partner, you do not have the same rights to claim financial support as married couples. This is the case regardless of how long you may have lived with your partner, or whether you have children together.
Many people wrongly believe that after a period of time, an unmarried couple become common law spouses. This is not the case, and it is important to understand that when an unmarried couple separate, they don’t have similar rights to married couples.
The current law of England and Wales for unmarried couples is fairly basic, although it is possible in the future that this may change. As things stand currently, an unmarried person can’t claim financial support or maintenance from their ex-partner (unless it is child maintenance for a child they have together). You can’t make a claim for a share of the ex’s pensions or any asset owned in their sole name either. There are some rare exceptions to this, however you would be advised to get expert legal advice to understand your rights and responsibilities if you are living with your partner but unmarried.
For more help or information about unmarried couples and their legal rights and options, or to book an initial no obligation telephone consultation, please contact Rowlinsons Solicitors and ask to speak to the Family Department.