I Was Entitled To Nothing

INTRODUCING Michelle Jones Wedding Consultants & Michelle Jones Wedding Planners

I often refer to weddings as being my passion. My true passions are bound in people, the unique love they share and the moments that create their story which is why I adore weddings.

But there are many who find weddings less favourable, for many reasons. There are couple’s who chose not to get married and there are people who don’t believe in marriage, for very specific reasons. Currently there are 3.4 million couples cohabiting in Britain. Cohabiting as Common Law Partners, who have the same legal rights as a married couple, right?

Unfortunately, this is a myth. This slight misunderstanding has quite significant impact. For a relationship to be recognised by law, couples need a ‘Cohabitation Contract’ which provides them with legal rights; a term of agreement drawn up with crucially precise detail and agreed together with a solicitor. Citizen’s Advice states: “Although recognised by court, it may be difficult to force your partner to agree to the terms in the contract.”

FORCE!

Used in this sense, as a verb, the Oxford Dictionary definition states: “To make (someone) do something against their will.” As a romantic, I struggle to comprehend how love can be forced. As a wedding planner I’m thinking, a wedding sounds a lot more fun loving. But for those that don’t agree with marriage this ‘forced’ agreement seems a rather large step beyond that and even less tolerable.

It is in complete contrast to the meaning of love and partnership. So, what about the couple’s that are very much committed, in love and have cohabited for many years, have children, own property together and share everything? Sadly, many couples have faced the death of a partner or a separation and found they are entitled to nothing. NOTHING!

Thankfully, I say with a huge cheer, as 2019 drew to a close new legislation came into effect; a change to the Civil Partnership of 2004. All couples, same-sex and opposite-sex can now have a Civil Partnership, providing transparency and fairness. Equal rights for their commitment to one another and respect for the love that they share.

An everything solution. And if you chose to mark the occasion, a celebration with family and friends may be to one’s liking.