27 January 2012
Inheritance: Rights for unmarried couples
The Law Commission published a consultation paper in October 2009 discussing reforms to the intestacy rules and family provision on death. After over 150 responses and further supplementary consultations in 2011, the Law Commission’s final report was released on 14 December (Law Com No 311 - www.lawcom.gov.uk).
8 July 2011
Are "shot-gun" civil partnerships responsible for the rise in dissolutions?
Celebrations are continuing in New York where, later this month (24 July 2011) it will be possible for same sex couples to marry in the state of New York for the first time following the state Marriage Equality Act coming into force.
29 June 2011
No such thing as a common law
Contrary to common belief, there is no such thing as a common law husband or wife in England, and the remedies available to separating cohabitants are far more limited (and complicated) than those of divorcing couples. Unmarried couples have to rely on a mixture of property and trust law when trying to prove an interest in a family home which is not registered in their name.
17 February 2011
Marriage in all but name?
The equalities minister is expected to announce plans this week to give gay men and women the same rights to marry as heterosexual couples. It has been reported that same sex couples will be able to hold traditional wedding ceremonies in register offices and civil wedding venues. Religious groups will be able to decide whether to hold gay weddings, although the Church of England is unlikely to allow its churches to be used. The antiquated Marriage Act is to be updated and the legal definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman is also to be changed.