Support rights for cohabiting couples

Join us as we raise awareness and campaign for basic rights for cohabiting couples upon relationship breakdown or death of a partner.

Nearly half (46%) of adults in England and Wales mistakenly think that couples acquire ‘common law’ rights after living together 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 couples 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.

We all know a couple living together. Resolution has provided resources below to help you spread the word.

Join the campaign

Cohabitation factsheet

If you'd like to send your MP additional information or if you'd like to share more information with the public, download our factsheet Mythbusting 'common-law marriage'.

Download the facts

Factsheet for professionals

This factsheet provides basic information for advice providers, helping them highlight key considerations for unmarried couples they deal with professionally.

Information for advice providers
Infographic mythbusting common law marriage

Mythbusting common law marriage

Share our infographics, mythbusting common misconceptions around 'common-law marriage'.

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Cohabitation Nation

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.

Only 1 in 3 cohabiting couples know there is no common law marriage Common law marriage does not exist in UK Law

4 in 5 agree that unmarried couples need greater protection if they separate

84 per cent think the government should do more to raise awareness