Assumption: "I have been living with my partner for 15 years, we haven't got any children. Surely under law I am now his common-law wife, which means I will therefore be entitled to the same rights as a married woman?"
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Court Reality
There is no such thing as a 'common-law wife' in England and Wales. No matter how long you cohabit, unmarried partners do not acquire the same legal rights as married couples — no automatic claim on each other's property, maintenance, or inheritance. (Family Law Act 1996)
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The Gap?
"I have been living with my partner for 15 years, we haven't got any children. Surely under law I am now his common-law wife, which means I will therefore be entitled to the same rights as a married woman?"
Court Reality
There is no such thing as a 'common-law wife' in England and Wales. No matter how long you cohabit, unmarried partners do not acquire the same legal rights as married couples — no automatic claim on each other's property, maintenance, or inheritance. (Family Law Act 1996)
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