On Thursday 4th May 2006, the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 came into effect, and changed significantly the law with regard to cohabiting couples, or bidie-ins. (Two people who are sharing the same flat or house are not bidie-ins unless they are living together as a couple. )
Bidie-ins still have far fewer rights than civil partners/married couples – legally, a bidie-in has few property rights, no exemption from inheritance tax, no right to their partner’s pension during their life or after their death. Some social security rules are applied to both bidie-ins and civil partners/married couples: entitlement to housing benefit for a couple is assessed on the income of both partners, whether civil partners, married, or bidie-ins. Bidie-ins have some rights under immigration rules, and have the same rights of protection against violent partners as civil partners/married couples.
If you are in a relationship, or living with someone, and you want advice on your specific situation, the Equality Network recommends you contact your local Citizen’s Advice Scotland (CAS), or look at their online advice guide: www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland.htm.
Civil partnership - one year on.
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