সহবাস আইন

No 'Common Law Marriage' — English law does not recognise common law marriage. Cohabitants have no automatic property, maintenance, or inheritance rights regardless of the length of the relationship.

Property Rights — Beneficial interests in property are determined by express trusts, resulting trusts, common intention constructive trusts (Lloyds Bank v Rosset [1991]; Stack v Dowden [2007]; Jones v Kernott [2011]), or proprietary estoppel.

TOLATA Claims — Under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, cohabitants can apply for court declarations about beneficial ownership and orders for sale of co-owned property.

Cohabitation Agreements — Written agreements about property and finances are not automatically binding but carry significant evidential weight. Courts will generally uphold them unless circumstances make enforcement unjust.

Children Act Schedule 1 — Unmarried parents can apply under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 for financial provision for children, including lump sums, property settlements, and periodical payments.

Inheritance — Cohabitants have no automatic right to inherit under intestacy rules. They may claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they were maintained by the deceased or had lived together for 2+ years.

Death in Service & Pensions — Unmarried partners may not be entitled to bereavement benefits or pension death benefits. Nomination forms and will-making are essential.