Changing Attitudes to Marriage and Partnership

A recent opinion piece in The Guardian explored a striking shift: many young women no longer see marriage as an automatic milestone. The article notes that marriages in England and Wales are down nearly 9%, while civil partnerships and informal relationships appear to be rising.

Further, survey data shows a growing gender gap: fewer high-school girls now say they expect to marry one day compared to boys.

What used to be taken as a default life step — meet, marry, settle — is now often a choice, influenced by factors such as financial independence, career ambitions, shifting attitudes toward traditional gender roles, and a desire for stability before commitment.

What This Means for Women Considering Separation or Relationship Breakdown

As fewer people treat marriage as guaranteed, relationships — married or not — become more diverse: cohabitation, “situationships,” civil partnerships, informal unions. This evolution has real legal and financial implications, especially for women.

• Without marriage or civil partnership, legal protections around property, pensions, inheritance, and financial support may be weaker.
• Many couples accumulate shared assets — a home, savings, children — without formal agreements.
•  If relationships break down, women may find themselves financially vulnerable, particularly if they have taken time out of work for childcare or supported a partner’s career.

In this landscape of changing relationship norms, planning and legal clarity are more important than ever.

Why Specialist Family Law Advice Matters More Than Ever

At Ridley & Hall, we believe in empowering women to make informed decisions — whether you choose marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation, here’s how we can support you:

• Clarity on rights and risks: We explain what protections you do — and don’t — have depending on your legal status.
• Proactive planning: We help you draft or review cohabitation agreements, pre–nuptial agreements, declarations of trust, wills or other measures to safeguard your financial interests.
• Fair financial settlements: If you separate, we guide you in assessing assets, pensions, and contributions (financial and non-financial), and in securing a fair division or maintenance.
• Protection for children: Whether married or not, your children’s welfare remains the priority. We can advise on child arrangements and financial provision.

Emma Hopkins Jones, Partner in our Family Team, says: ” The fact that fewer young women see marriage as inevitable is a powerful expression of autonomy: prioritising career, financial stability, self-worth, and genuine choice. But with autonomy comes responsibility — and in modern relationships, that includes legal and financial forethought.”

Want to Know More?

If you’re navigating a separation, planning your future, or simply want to know your rights as a cohabiting or unmarried partner, we’re here to help you approach it with confidence and clarity.

We offer a confidential consultation to discuss your personal situation — whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting, or thinking about taking those steps.

We’ll help you understand your rights, plan your finances, and protect your future.

Contact us today on 0800 860 62 65.

Emma Hopkins Jones, Head of Family