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Protection for All Kinds of Families
08.01.2010
In a report released this week by the Office for National Statistics, interesting trends have been highlighted which demonstrate a change in the social structure of our society.
The number of dependent children in the UK living with both married parents fell from almost three quarters in 1997 to two-thirds in 2009 (almost 10%). This trend reflects the increasing preference not to marry. Marriage figures have also dropped for the third consecutive year.
Equally, figures for the number of divorces dropped by 3% between 2006 and 2007. Clearly then, marriage is falling out of favour and couples feel more comfortable setting up home and having children without having first married.
While these figures offer us an interesting insight into decisions people are making, it highlights an increased need for legal protection among families. Marriage offers considerable protection in the event of separation and divorce for both couples. When relationships break down and the couple is not married or has not entered into a Civil Partnership, those safety nets are not in place.
There are alternatives available that can protect couples, their children and property in the event of a relationship break-down or death. Who is to look after the children? Does the father have all legal rights towards his children? What happens if a parent dies? What will happen with the house? These are questions that are regularly asked and arise just as much in mixed as same-sex relationships.
Much heartache can be avoided and reassurance gained by considering them with sound legal advice. Caution need not mean the beginning of the end, but provide security if the worst should happen.
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