cohabitation

Question 1

what is the myth of common law marriage

Answer 1

he idea that, by living with someone, a cohabitating person acquires rights comparable to those of a married person - is widely believed but is largely false, as those who go to court to enforce their ‘rights’ have found out.

Question 2

Burns v Burns

Answer 2

court held just living in someone’s house for 19 years and having 3 children does not give any entitlement. She was merely a licensee in his house, so had no rights.

Question 3

Kernott v Jones

Answer 3

shared intention of a 50/50 split. Equity recognises unfair to give half as he had gone 12 years without paying the mortgage 90/10. CA overturned to 50/50. HL reinstated HC 90/10- only cohabs therefore afforded rights of legal owners which highlights the lack of protection

Question 4

LC: Cohabitation Financial Consequence of relationship Breakdown

Answer 4

suggests that co-ownership disputes should be resolved by a state property regime for cohabitants which would incorporate some ideas from matrimonial principles. Recommends legislative scheme although different from that of married couples, which would offer family style protection to vulnerable ex-partners

Question 5

How are cohabs currently protected

Answer 5

S 36 LPA which allows to decide where as S 24 MCA gives court wide discretionary powers looking at fairness

Question 6

However, why might cohabs not want this

Answer 6

many people simply cohabit because they do not want the rights and resposbilites of marriage and we should respect their autonomy