When the worlds of love and law collide, it often creates irregular consequences. As a result, the law intervenes and tries to make these irregular consequences fairer.
Valentine’s Day has origins dating back as far as the third century, to the Catholic Priest St Valentine. Despite its long history, Valentine’s Day is now a significant cultural celebration, recognised internationally as a day to symbolise and celebrate love.
Each year, on 14 February millions of people across the world mark the day by sending cards and gifts to their partners to show their love and affection. With many considering this to be the most romantic day of the year, it may seem an appropriate time to embark on the next step of your relationship. This could mean couples deciding to move in together, or it sometimes provides an opportunity for a marriage proposal. These are very exciting times for couples when careful consideration of the legal consequence of taking that next step is no doubt far from the happy couple’s minds.
Some couples may see this day of love as the perfect excuse to move in together, get engaged or even marry on 14 February. These romantic, personal decisions can have a huge impact on your future life and it’s best to sort out any legalities before this new journey begins.
For those moving in together, there may be an impact on any pre-owned property. If one party owns a property and a partner then starts to cohabit in that property, if contributions (financial or otherwise) are made in the belief that this is a jointly owned home, then this could give rise to a claim to that property. Simply contributing to utilities will not give an automatic right to a financial interest in the home, but if assistance is given towards mortgage repayments or refurbishments, then this could become problematic if the relationship breaks down.
There is no legal recognition for the status of unmarried cohabiting couples in UK law as legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Therefore couples who live together have no particular legal rights. This can create difficulties should financial disputes arise, in the event of serious illness or death or should the relationship break down. Unlike married couples, cohabiting couples do not have the same recourse to financial orders should the relationship come to an end.
Sometimes love affects the law and new laws are made. An example of this is the decision of the Supreme Court of Appeals of the Republic of Turkey. According to this decision, not remembering special days such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays and wedding anniversaries, and the other spouse’s failure to attend weddings and similar organizations attended by one of the spouses can be considered grounds for divorce.
Sources
- Moving in, getting engaged or married on Valentine’s Day? – https://gateleyplc.com/insight/quick-reads/moving-in-getting-engaged-or-married-on-valentines-day-dont-overlook-the-important-legal-consequences/
- Valentine’s Day – Love and the Law https://clarkeandson.co.uk/blog/valentines-day-love-and-the-law/
- Valentine’s Day – your legal rights when taking the next step in your relationship – https://www.incegd.com/en/news-insights/family-matrimonial-valentines-day-your-legal-rights-when-taking-next-step-your
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