Definition of cohabitation

Definitions of cohabitation under statute and case law have significant implications for cohabitants.

Statutory definitions

Cohabitants are treated differently from married couples, in particular in relation to property rights, regarding children and rights on death. There are varying statutory definitions of 'cohabitation', for example:

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references to living ‘in the same household’, eg in CSA 1991, s 3, and sections 1(1A) and 1(1B) of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, regarding eligibility to apply under that Act

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