Steve Berry: Common-law marriage doesn't exist

clock • 2 min read

Don't let your clients fall into the trap

According to the ONS, as of 2016, there are 3.3 million cohabiting couples in the UK and around 1.25 million have children. However, despite what many think, common-law marriage doesn't actually exist and the majority of financial regulations are geared towards married couples. With this in mind, cohabiting couples, especially those with children, must ensure that their finances are sufficiently protected should the worst happen. Every pound lent should be protected, so when advising clients who are cohabiting, as with all clients, we recommend all of our brokers ensure the protect...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Most homeowners want mortgage advisers to discuss redundancy

Most homeowners want mortgage advisers to discuss redundancy

58% expect redundancy risk to increase in the next five years

Jaskeet Briah
clock 05 November 2026 • 2 min read
Protection applicants see rise in disclosure of weight loss treatment: UnderwriteMe

Protection applicants see rise in disclosure of weight loss treatment: UnderwriteMe

Buy-now outcomes "remain strong"

Jaskeet Briah
clock 04 November 2026 • 2 min read
£73.14m paid out in life and CI claims to Reassured customers

£73.14m paid out in life and CI claims to Reassured customers

Most CI claimants used the pay out for living costs

Jaskeet Briah
clock 03 November 2026 • 2 min read