been with partner 14 years, not married what legal rights do we have if one or other dies?
2007-08-12 09:16:47 · 13 answers · asked by stackdlsmsd 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
i`m in the UK
2007-08-12 09:26:58 · update #1
http://www.lawpack.co.uk/common_law_marriage.asp. Get married, if you've lived together for 14 years already, I think you'll make it!!!!!!!!!
2007-08-12 09:41:45 · answer #1 · answered by Angela F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
United Kingdom
The term "common law marriage" is frequently used in England and Wales, however such a "marriage" is not recognised in law, and it does not confer any rights or obligations on the parties. See also English law. Genuine (that is, legal) common-law marriage was for practical purposes abolished under the Marriage Act, 1753. Prior to that point, marriage was by consent under Roman Law, and by consummation under canon law. [4] "Common law marriage" survives in England and Wales only in a few highly exceptional circumstances, where people who want to marry but are unable to do so any other way can simply declare that they are taking each other as husband and wife in front of witnesses. British civilians interned by the Japanese during World War II who did so were held to be legally married.
Unmarried partners are recognised for certain purposes in legislation, e.g., for means-tested benefits. For example, in the Jobseekers Act 1995, '"unmarried couple" means a man and woman who are not married to each other but are living together as husband and wife otherwise than in prescribed circumstances. [5]
2007-08-12 10:09:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no such thing as common law. Sadly, many people believe that if they have lived with their partner for years they are considered as good as their wife/husband but they are not. Your next of kin is your parents. It is important that you make wills so your wishes can be met. Particularly if you have children together. I would suggest that this is done by a solicitor rather than the kits you buy from stationers. This is not expensive.
2007-08-12 09:30:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No and it hasnt for a number of years, if your in a relatioship and no will has been drawn up then all possesions will be given to next of kin ie child or mother father sister brother etc, you would have no legal claim, this is why it is best to have a will written out or get married! by the way the government has no plans of bringing in a new law since they were keen to abolish it years ago.
2007-08-12 09:46:33 · answer #4 · answered by tryingforafootieteam 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are considering changing the Law ,so that common law partners become each others next of kin.This gives the Partner legal protection over property rights.
2007-08-12 09:32:45 · answer #5 · answered by Lindsay Jane 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
None at the moment unless you make a will or have made a recognised civil partnership & then you still need to have made a will. Common law does exist but common law partnerships are myths.
2007-08-12 12:31:22 · answer #6 · answered by Lizzie Fish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the simple answer is none but the law is going to be changed soon to allow you to have the same rights as being married
2007-08-12 11:01:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yup retox is right many are under the illusion that there is some kind of common law in marriage there isn't, and you should make a will
2007-08-12 09:39:25 · answer #8 · answered by bruce m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the State you live in. Texas is a community property state. That is, anything that has been accumulated while you lived as man and wife belongs to both of you. This includes cars, houses, savings accounts etc.
2007-08-12 09:25:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
alot of states recognize common law, you both should make a will, to protect yourselves from family if something should happen to either of you, I live in Florida, It does not recognize common law marriages, so we have wills
2007-08-12 09:26:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋