Credit: Alamy & ITV
Expert Issues Urgent Warning To Couples Who Live Together But Aren’t Married
A financial expert has issued an urgent warning to couples who live together but aren’t married.
Married or not, there are undoubtedly some perks of sharing a household with that special someone.
Apart from the obvious ones, such as spending quality time with your partner, it can also bring financial stability.
However, one financial guru has warned that if you’re cohabiting, you may want to consider putting a ring on it soon, as you might be missing out on something quite crucial.
During an episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis explained what happens to couples if, tragically, one of them passes away, and they don’t have the legal protection that comes with a marriage.
The show, which airs on ITV regularly tackles complex financial issues that affect everyday households, from energy bills to savings and inheritance planning.
Lewis has consistently used the program to challenge common misconceptions and urge viewers to take practical steps to protect themselves financially.
Why cohabiting couples could be at risk
He informed viewers that without being married, the situation over who gets the inheritance, should one of you die, is completely taken out of your hands.
In fact, it would be entirely decided by the government.
In the UK, millions of couples live together without being married, often assuming they have similar legal rights to spouses.
This belief, sometimes referred to as ‘common law marriage,’ remains widespread despite having no legal standing.
Financial experts warn that this misunderstanding can have serious consequences if the worst were to happen.
Why married couples still need a will
Martin Lewis also issued a warning to those who are married – urging them to make sure they know what is stated in their will, especially if they were separated from their spouse and are with a new partner.
Lewis stressed that marriage does not automatically solve every inheritance issue, particularly for those with children from previous relationships or who are separated but not legally divorced.
Without an up-to-date will, even married couples may find that their wishes are not carried out as they intended.
“So if you had a will and you got married, you no longer have a will in most cases so you need to do one again,” Lewis clarified.
“Worth everybody being aware of that and also if your circumstances change and you’ve got a will from 20 years ago, leaving it to your ex-husband or wife, you might want to change it and make sure it’s up-to-date.”
What happens if you die without a will
In England, if you die without a will and have a spouse, the first £322,000 of your estate goes to your husband or wife, along with your personal belongings.
Anything above this threshold may be divided differently, depending on whether there are children involved, making estate planning particularly important for families with significant assets.
Lewis has repeatedly encouraged people to familiarise themselves with these rules rather than assuming everything will automatically pass to their partner.
A clear call to action from financial expert
Lewis has previously addressed this in an episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast where he urged that anyone who is not married and living with their loved ones should absolutely prioritise creating a will.
He also suggested that anyone who has assets should also consider drafting a will.
Planning ahead can make all the difference
Ultimately, Lewis’s warning serves as a reminder that love and commitment do not always translate into legal protection.
Whether married or not, couples are being urged to understand how inheritance rules actually work rather than relying on assumptions that could prove costly.
Financial experts continue to stress that putting basic legal arrangements in place, such as writing or updating a will, can make a significant difference.
Taking these steps ensures that personal wishes are respected and can spare loved ones from additional stress during an already difficult time.
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