COVID-19 and Cohabitating

“Make your choice and stick with it” – Matt Hancock

COVID-19 is forcing a change to everyone’s lives – whether that be financially or emotionally.

Due to the self-isolation and the social distancing restrictions improved by the Government, this can become a challenge for non-married couples who do not live to together. You’re either going to spend a considerable amount of time away from each other by living in separate households or a considerable amount of time together by taking a step forward and living in the same household.

This is clearly a big decision for most unmarried couples, however, and as Matt Hancock put it, “make your choice and stick with it.”

Jennifer Harries (Deputy Chief Medical Officer) stated that, “… perhaps test very carefully your strength of feeling, stay with the household, either together or apart, but keep it that way while we go forward because otherwise, we will not all be working towards achieving our outcome.”

It would not surprise me if many couples will jump at the opportunity to move in with their partner for fear of not having social interactions with them for an unknown amount of time.

But, not only should they take into account the emotional pressures, but the financial considerations, and in particular how any arrange you come to may affect you financially and legally in the long term.

Are you going to be sharing the bills and making mortgage contributions? Who is the legal owner of the property and does the other person able to claim beneficial interest in the property?

There are many considerations to take into account, and further pressure is placed on unmarried couples during this unprecedented time.

This information provided in this article is not intended to constitute legal advice and each relationship breakdown requires careful consideration in our view by a person fully qualified before decisions are made and before you embark on a certain course of action.

Emma Aslett

Penn Chambers Solicitors

0207 183 4595