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ARTICLE · 22 OCTOBER 2026

Why Making A Will Is Important For Unmarried Couples

Buckles Law
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For couples who live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership, making a Will carries a lot of weight. It is a common assumption that a long-term relationship provides legal rights similar to marriage, but it does not. No matter how long a couple has lived together, or whether they have children, an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit their partner’s estate or deal with its administration.

United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Buckles Law
Buckles Law
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For couples who live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership, making a Will carries a lot of weight. It is a common assumption that a long-term relationship provides legal rights similar to marriage, but it does not. No matter how long a couple has lived together, or whether they have children, an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit their partner’s estate or deal with its administration. Whether they can remain in the family home depends on how it’s owned and what arrangements, if any, are in place, points covered in more detail below.

What is a Will?

A Will lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death. Its main purpose is to specify who should benefit from your estate, appoint executors to deal with your affairs, and provide for anyone who depends on you. A Will is one of the clearest ways to make sure your possessions are placed in the care of those you wish to have them, and it can also form an important

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