Should Couples Who Live Together Have the Same Rights? Episode 433

In this episode, Niall asks: Should couples who live together have the same legal rights as married couples?

More couples than ever are choosing to live together without getting married. But when it comes to things like inheritance, pensions and property rights, cohabiting partners often have far fewer protections under the law. Should that change, or does marriage deserve to stay different?

Some callers argued that marriage is about serious commitment — legally and financially. They felt if you want the rights and security that come with marriage, you should be willing to make that commitment. For them, it is about protecting what marriage means.

Others said times have changed. They pointed out that many couples build full lives together, raise children and buy homes but still have no legal safety net if things go wrong. They argued that love and loyalty matter more than paperwork, and the law should reflect that.

A few callers said living together is often stronger than some marriages, and that modern families should not be penalised for avoiding a ceremony.

As Niall points out, this is not just about weddings and rings. It is about how the law treats families, fairness in modern relationships, and whether tradition should still decide who is protected.