Clare Moffat: Six issues to consider when a client is a cohabitee

Financial planning implications

clock • 5 min read

While the question of legally formalising their relationship will be personal to any client, giving cohabitees all the facts in relation to what they are or are not entitled to is important, writes Clare Moffat

Theresa May announced at the Conservative party conference that legislation would be amended to allow mixed sex couples to have a civil partnership in England and Wales. This comes after the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that only allowing same-sex civil partnerships was incompatible with the European Convention of Human Rights. The Scottish government is currently consulting on this issue but a similar decision could be made. These events can have a significant effect on your clients' financial planning. It is fair to say that some people do not like the idea of marriage. The coupl...

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 Tax planning

Warnings of tight timetable as HMRC sets out pension IHT process

Warnings of tight timetable as HMRC sets out pension IHT process

‘A very short timescale for such a significant change’

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 September 2026 • 4 min read
News editor's view: The IHT effect

News editor's view: The IHT effect

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 28 August

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 August 2026 • 3 min read
CGT liabilities surged 89% in 2024-25 tax year as Budget changes hit

CGT liabilities surged 89% in 2024-25 tax year as Budget changes hit

HMRC collects £24.2bn with £127bn gains reported

Sophia Panayi
clock 27 August 2026 • 3 min read