27th August 2026 • The HERALD • Page 65 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v ASK A PROFESSIONAL The Government is considering significant changes to inheritance laws that could provide greater legal protection for unmarried couples when a relationship ends or when one partner dies without leaving a Will. e proposals form part of the Ministry of Justice’s consultation, A Fairer End to Relationships, which is examining whether current laws in England and Wales adequately re ect modern family life. One of the key areas under review is the law of intestacy, the rules that determine who inherits a person’s estate when they die without a valid Will. At present, unmarried couples who live together have no automatic right to inherit from one another, regardless of how long they have been in a relationship, whether they own a home together or rely on shared nances. In contrast, married couples and civil partners bene t from legal protections under the intestacy rules. As a result, many cohabiting partners can nd themselves in a vulnerable position following the death of a loved one, particularly where there are nancial commitments, children or jointly occupied property involved. The Government’s consultation acknowledges that family structures have changed signi cantly in recent decades and is seeking views on whether qualifying cohabitants should be given greater rights when a partner dies without a Will. Among the proposals being considered are granting eligible cohabitants the ability to inherit automatically, administer an estate and apply for nancial provision from a deceased partner’s estate. Current suggestions include limiting eligibility to couples who have lived together for at least three years or who share a child. If introduced, the reforms would represent one of the most signi cant developments in inheritance law for many years and could a ect millions of people across England and Wales. However, the consultation itself does not change the law, and any reforms would need to go through the legislative process before taking e ect. e consultation closed on 14th August 2026. In the meantime, legal professionals are urging unmarried couples not to assume they have the same rights as married couples. The most e ective way to ensure a partner is protected remains having a valid Will in place. A Will allows individuals to decide who inherits their estate, appoint executors and make nancial provision that re ects their personal circumstances. Without one, surviving partners may face uncertainty and potentially lengthy legal processes at an already di cult time. If you need advice about making a Will or would like to know more about Intestacy Rules, TMT Legal Services is here to help, contact our friendly team for an informal discussion on: 0333 188 4758, email: enquiry@ tmtlegalservices.co.uk or pop into one of our o ces in Hythe, Chandler’s Ford or Bitterne Village. For more information visit: www.tmtlegalservices. co.uk Are you ready for Making Tax Digital? Sole Trader - Limited Company Self Assessment, Accounts, Payroll Please call Johanna on 023 8089 9365 Government Considers Greater Inheritance Rights For Unmarried Couples Advice from TMT Legal Services Kelly Dawkins Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services
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