Rights of woman in unmarried partnership?

[yellowallpaper]

My friend is in a long term relationship. One child. DP is the main earner, although she works in his business regularly. They are happy, but the house is in his sole name, ditto the mortgage. He pays the bills, she is on very little paperwork. They have no legal partnership, even the business is solely his. He was married before and reluctant to take the same path.

I've said the my friend she has very little status in the law if they were to separate but she thinks there's something called common law wife. I've told her this is a myth. Is there any safeguards apart from marriage she can get? What is her true position?

I can see his reluctance
The DP had the option not to have any further children, though, didn't he? If he wanted to protect himself from further financial ties and commitment. He chose to have a child with your friend.

I would agree with you, though, it sounds like complete ignorance on both parts. Your friend might find it easier to frame the discussion in terms of protecting her and the dc in the case of the DP dying. Still not a great conversation to have but easier to start than 'if we split up, how do I protect myself financially'.

A friend of mine was in a similar situation. Lived with a very wealthy man for nearly 30 years, and worked very part time in one of his businesses. He was divorced with a grownup son, and he refused to ever marry again. Anyway he died, the son inherited everything, including the house his father and my friend lived in. She ended up having to take the son to court to try and get some money to buy a house of her own.

Well said Hugo. He describes it as though he was robbed!

Men often think they have been stung when divorcing but that’s because they won’t face up to family costs. How did his ex wife destroy his business? He must have been running it too. Some of this sounds far fetched and he’s certainly keen to hang onto his wealth now!

Yes, she’s very vulnerable. He needs to face up to his obligations to his DP but I suspect he won’t. He seems determined to protect what he sees as his. At the moment it is. All of it.

If I was your friend, I would certainly negotiate for proper employment rights and pension contributions. The DC could be ok if he died but what about the position of his other DC. What will they inherit? She could be turned out of his house. If he won’t discuss any of this, how much does he really care for her and DC? I really do wonder when people do this. It’s all about money.

Sounds like the 1st wife got herself a fair settlement ... and he won't be letting THAT happen again. 🧐

You are single, married or civil partnership

Common law status does not exist

Citizens advice website and www.gov.uk has info that explains the difference

The DP had to sell the first business to pay his ex her share of it. It was unviable with half the assets gone, so he had to start again. He pays over what he has to for his first children but the exW is constantly cancelling access visits, so he isn't an unfair person. I think he is just avoiding marriage as it was such a bad experience. Either way he needs to sort out a will situation and give my friend and her DD some security.

@yellowallpaper . She is extremely vulnerable but after what he and experienced it sounds doubtful that he will be wanting to sign up to potentially have another does of being financially stripped. The important thing is that your friend is aware which she clearly isn't currently