Cohabitation is an arrangement where two people are not married but live together. They are often involved in a romantic or sexually intimate relationship on a long-term or permanent basis. More broadly, the term cohabitation can mean any number of people living together.

Do cohabitants have rights?

Living together without being married or being in a civil partnership means you do not have many rights around finances, property and children. Consider making a will and getting a cohabitation agreement to protect your interests.

What rights do unmarried partners have?

As an unmarried partner you are entitled to be known by whatever name you wish and can change that name at any time. Two people living together can decide to use the same family name, although legally they do not have to.