This Pride Month, while we celebrate love, commitment and chosen family, it is also a timely reminder for unmarried LGBTIQ+ couples to think about protecting the people they care about most. If you are in a relationship but are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner has no automatic right to inherit from your estate if you die without a valid Will. Under the intestacy rules in England and Wales, your assets may instead pass to your parents, siblings or other blood relatives, regardless of how long you have been together.

There are some important exceptions. If you own your home as joint tenants, your share will usually pass automatically to your partner by the rule of survivorship, whether or not you have a Will. The same principle generally applies to other assets held in joint names, such as joint bank accounts. However, if you own property as tenants in common, your share does not pass automatically to your partner. Without a Will, that share will be distributed under the intestacy rules, and your surviving partner could receive nothing.

Making a Will is therefore one of the most important steps that unmarried LGBTIQ+ couples can take to protect each other. It ensures that your partner can inherit the assets you want them to receive and gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and followed.

This Pride Month, consider making a Will as a meaningful act of love and commitment to the person who matters most to you.

If you would like advice on making a Will or ensuring your wishes are properly protected, please contact our Private Client team who will be happy to help.