Breaking up is hard to do: Advising unmarried separating clients

A guide for unmarried couples who are separating

clock • 5 min read

Nirali Adhia sets out the financial position for unmarried clients who have decided to separate...

Many unmarried couples are under the impression that their rights upon separation as a co-habiting couple are the same as married couples who are separating. This myth needs to be debunked. Whilst the legislation dealing with financial matters upon divorce looks to ensure that both spouses' needs are met and any settlement reached is fair, this is not the same for unmarried couples. Unmarried couples have very few rights although the Labour party has indicated that they would introduce some kind of protections for cohabitees should they win the next election. In many cases where un...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

GSI Group CEO on complaints, AI and the latest set of FOS reforms

Mark Buck
clock 12 August 2026 • 5 min read
Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin
clock 12 August 2026 • 4 min read
New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

Designed to attract new entrants into the profession

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 August 2026 • 2 min read