Only one in three couples know of common law marriage

17th August 2018

Saturday 18 August has been reported as the most common day in 2018 to tie the knot in the UK.

However, since the early 1970s, the number of people actually getting married has steadily decreased, dropping a further 3.4% last year. There have been many theories about why marriage rates are falling, but regardless the fact remains that fewer people are formalising their relationship. In 2016 there were 3.3m cohabiting couples or around 6.6million cohabiting adults. This is officially the fastest growing family type, more than doubling from 1.5million couples just 20 years ago. Yet, a 2017 ComRes survey showed that only one couple in three knew there was no such thing as common law marriage The issue is widespread, with nearly 98% of professionals from family justice group Resolution reported having worked with a cohabiting couple who they were unable to help. Afurther 90% said the couples are often surprised to find out about their lack of rights. The Family Department at Lupton Fawcett are campaigning to raise awareness and encourage cohabiting couples to take steps protect themselves and their families. Please click here to read the article in full.