Why cohabiting couples must consider estate planning

Millions of couples across the UK are choosing to forego marriage and live as cohabitees. However, without proper estate planning, they could be putting their finances at risk. Unlike their married counterparts, unmarried couples have no automatic right to inherit from each other. However, with proper estate planning, you can ensure your cohabiting partner is properly provided for should you pass away.

This article looks at some of the important estate planning matters all cohabiting couples should consider.

Write a will

The most straightforward way to provide for your partner should you pass away, is to write a will. No matter how long you and your partner have been together, without a will in place, there is no way to ensure that your partner will receive a share of your assets when you die.

What happens if there is no will?

When a person dies without a will, their estate will be distributed in line with the rules of intestacy. Sadly, for cohabiting couples, this can mean that the surviving cohabitee loses their home and a source of income. The surviving cohabitee may need to make an application to the court to get a share of the family home and may even end up in a difficult legal battle with any children or other family members.

As a result, it is essential that you discuss with your partner what you wish to happen to your property after you pass away and instruct a specialist lawyer to draft a will for each of you.

What should cohabitees include in their wills?

What cohabitees will need to include in their will depends on their circumstances and whether you have any children, either from previous relationships or together. Children can complicate inheritance matters, and you should seek legal advice on your specific circumstances.

However, to ensure that your partner is provided for after you pass away, you should include:

• Details of who is to inherit your estate
• Who will be involved in your estate after you pass away. You should ensure your partner has a right to be involved in your estate; you may wish to appoint them as an executor
• Any wishes for your property. For example, you may wish to set out that you want your partner to continue living in the property after you pass away
• Any wishes about money. Setting out your wishes regarding money allows you to ensure your partner has enough money to live on
• Specific wishes about possessions. You should include details about who will inherit particular possessions, such as a car or even sentimental items

There are many estate planning matters cohabiting couples should discuss; however, ensuring you have  properly drafted wills in place is the first step.

If you would like further information about making a will please call our Wills and Estates team on 01206 574 431 or by e-mail at info@tsplegal.com