There Is No Automatic Inheritance Right For Unmarried Couples
There is a misconception that unmarried couples will automatically inherit the proceeds of their deceased partner’s estate. The reality is this is unlikely as their family will have a very strong claim under the intestacy rules if there is not a Will in place.
If the laws of intestacy are challenged the outcome will be decided in a court of law. If the claimant is likely to be required to prove they were living with the defendant continuously for the two years prior to there death and to have contributed financially to the household and be dependent on them. Even then it will be a long hard battle.
It’ is therefore essential to make a Will where the client is not married to their partner.
