21/08/2026
๐๐จ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐๐จ ๐๐ง๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐? ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ก๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ
The Law Commission of England and Wales has launched a consultation, A Fairer Way to End Relationships, looking at strengthening protections for cohabiting couples when relationships end, alongside reforms to financial remedies on divorce.
At present, however, there is an important gap in the law: if you die without a Will, your cohabiting partner does not automatically inherit your estate under the intestacy rules.
That could mean your partner of many years โ perhaps someone you share a home, finances and children with โ is left without the automatic inheritance rights that a spouse would have.
And itโs a topic that has recently had a rather Ricky Gervais-shaped spotlight.
Ricky Gervais has famously chosen not to marry his long-term partner Jane Fallon. Recent reports have suggested that marriage is now being considered, partly because of the potential inheritance tax advantages that marriage can bring.
Which raises the question: should your marital status really determine the inheritance and tax position of a relationship that has lasted decades?
Marriage is, of course, a personal choice. But estate planning is a legal one.
The law hasnโt changed (yet), and it will be interesting to see how the Law Commissionโs proposals develop. In the meantime, this is a timely reminder that if you are living with a partner, donโt assume that the law will automatically reflect your wishes.
A properly drafted Will, together with appropriate estate planning, can help ensure that your assets pass to the people you actually want to benefit โ rather than leaving your loved ones relying on what the intestacy rules happen to provide.
Because when it comes to your estate, โweโve been together for 20 yearsโ unfortunately isnโt a substitute for a Will.
Read the full consultation here: https://lnkd.in/denysc9p
