The changing dynamics of relationships: Are singletons outnumbering married couples?
Twenty years ago, The Guardian predicted that by 2026, there would be more singletons than married couples. But has this prediction held true? Jayne Gregg, Associate in our Family team has a look at the facts.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, this forecast has not materialised. Using data from the Census in 2021, it can be seen that living as a couple remained more common than being single . As at 2024, 60.5% of the population aged 16 or over were either living with a legal partner or cohabiting.
Shift towards cohabitation
However, the nature of these relationships has evolved. The last two decades have seen a significant shift towards cohabitation, with 6.5 million people living as a couple in 2024, although not necessarily married or in a civil partnership.
In my opinion, this trend highlights the importance of considering a cohabitation agreement when setting up home with a partner, especially for those in second relationships, later-life partnerships, or with unequal assets. Without such agreements, couples may face costly legal disputes under The Trust of Land and Appointments of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA).
Many couples begin their journey by cohabiting and later choose to marry. In these cases, it is important to contemplate the necessity of a prenuptial agreement before marriage, although this can be overlooked amidst wedding plans. Fortunately, post-nuptial agreements remain an option.
Alternative resolution
In addition to the shift in living arrangements, as the as the court system faces mounting pressure to manage an overwhelming number of cases, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) are becoming increasingly popular routes for couples navigating separation. These approaches help couples reach amicable agreements.
ADR and NCDR can be advantageous options for many individuals seeking to resolve disputes outside the traditional court system. They offer a more flexible, often quicker, and potentially less expensive way to settle family disputes.
Get in touch
If you have any issues arising from living together arrangements or require advice on a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement, for pragmatic, no-nonsense advice and practical solutions on how our team can help you with your family matter, please contact us on 0121 746 3360 or submit an online enquiry
