A local family lawyer has called on unmarried couples in Huddersfield to take action to protect themselves, as they could be vulnerable if their relationship breaks down.

Richard Buckley, Senior Solicitor from Eaton Smith Solicitors, made the calls along with other family lawyers from across the county as part of a national Cohabitation Awareness Week that is being led by Resolution, who campaign for a fairer family justice system.

Cohabitation Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about the lack of rights that exist for unmarried couples who live together.

There are about 7 million people in the UK living together as unmarried couples, making this the fastest growing family type in the country.

Richard Buckley explained that most couples he worked with mistakenly believe that they acquire “common law” rights after living with their partner for a certain amount of time or having children together but this is not the case.

“The sad reality is that unmarried couples have very limited legal rights and responsibilities towards each other if the relationship breaks down. I regularly meet people who have been affected in this way, and because of the lack of legal protection, there are times when I simply can’t help them.

This is why I urge all cohabiting couples in Huddersfield to consider taking out basic protections, such as a cohabitation agreement to protect both partners if they separate, or think about life insurance. By setting out your intentions in these documents, you’ll be in a much better situation if the unexpected happens.”

“ In 2007 the Law Commission recommended that there should be legislation protecting the rights of cohabiting couples, yet the situation remains unchanged. As the number of cohabiting couples are only going to increase, in my view, it is vital that action is taken to resolve this issue to ensure that couples that live together, but not married, are afford the protection the need.”