The myths around common law rights
By International Adviser, 3 Aug 18
A lawyer lifts the lid on cohabiting myths around the world that could leave surviving partners with no legal rights.
On the other side of the globe in Hong Kong, where the legal system is a combination of English common law and local legislation, the legal rights of unmarried cohabitating couples are very similar to those in the UK.
In Hong Kong, unmarried cohabitating couples, regardless of the length of cohabitation, do not enjoy the same legal position as married couples and as such do not enjoy the advantages of married unions, such as advantageous tax positions, pensions and benefits.
However if one partner dies, even in cases where no will exists, the surviving partner will be able to apply for financial provision from the deceased partner’s estate.
