Marriage in Decline

The number of people getting married has fallen to a record low according to provisional figures released from the Office for National Statistics.  The provisional number of marriages registered for 2008 were 232,990 weddings in England and Wales, which is the lowest since records began.  However, figures released indicate that those marrying for the first time have in fact increased on the previous three years and there is a decline in the number of people marrying for a second time. There has also been a rise in the number of unmarried adults indicating that more couples are choosing to live together.

These statistics has prompted Resolution (a group of over five thousand lawyers who promote a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes) to call for reform to the current law to those in a co-habiting relationship should they spilt up.  At present many couples live together under the misapprehension that after a certain period of time they will become a “common law husband or wife” and have the same rights as their married counterparts.  This is simply not the case and can lead to financial hardship for many in the event that their relationship breaks down.

The co-habiting couples should also consider cohabitation or living together agreements to protect their assets in the unfortunate event of a relationship breakdown. 

If you want to discuss the issues raised in this article further, please contact Debbie Lloyd or Ginny Colman on 01603 232300

The content of this article is for general information only.  As always, specific professional advice should be taken on each individual matter.© Birketts LLP 2010.  Solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.