Europe: Family and Matrimonial

When an unmarried partner dies in England and Wales, the surviving cohabitant faces a harsh reality: they have no automatic inheritance rights under intestacy rules, regardless of how long they lived together. This comprehensive guide examines how property ownership, joint assets, pensions and debts are treated on death, and explores the legal protections available to unmarried couples through Wills, trusts, cohabitation agreements and financial provision claims.

The Office for National Statistics has released its latest report on divorce and dissolution of marriages in England and Wales, revealing significant shifts in how modern relationships are evolving.

When someone dies leaving a will in England and Wales, many assume their affairs can be handled quickly without formal paperwork. However, probate is often still required to confirm who has authority to manage the estate, collect assets, settle debts, and distribute what remains. Whether probate is needed depends on what the deceased owned, how it was owned, and which organisations hold the assets.