01483 826 470

 

Family Law

Picture of a lawyer
2 minutes reading time (356 words)

Together for years, but still classed as single

One in ten adults in Britain are in a relationship but not living with their partner - and most of those are incorrectly counted as single in official statistics, according to recently published research.

Researchers from the University of Bradford, Birkbeck, University of London and NatCen Social Research have been studying the 9% of British adults, most of whom are forced to tick the 'single' box in surveys because, although they are in a steady relationship, they do not live with their partner.

The researchers found that around a third of LATs live apart because they feel they are not yet ready to live together (although many of these hope to do so in the future). A further third choose to live apart - however few of these see this as a lifestyle choice, rather living apart is seen as emotionally safer, or a better way to manage other commitments, such as those to children, family and friends, or work. The remaining third are not able to live together due to circumstances outside the relationship itself - including financial reasons or working or studying in different places.

Professor Sasha Roseneil, from Birkbeck, University of London says: "Nowadays very few people settle into a life-long relationship in their early twenties and stay with their partner "until death us do part". People have complex relationship histories, and they often carry with them the emotional legacies of divorce and separation.

“For some people, more or less consciously, living apart together is a way of dealing with the messiness of intimate life today, protecting themselves, their children and their homes from some of the distress that they have previously experienced when a cohabiting relationship breaks down. That said, most people in LAT relationships have a strong sense that they are a couple, and many are in long-term relationships to which they are deeply committed."

Contact our specialist family lawyers and therapists

If you have a family dispute that needs resolving, we are here to help and look forward to your call. Please contact us on 01483 826 470 or complete our online enquiry form to the right of this page.

Improving expert evidence in family courts
New 'Passport to support' for adopters

Contact us


Please let us know your name.

Please let us know your email address.

Please enter a valid telephone number

Please select one option.

Please select one option.

Please let us know your occupation.

Please let us know your message.

Call now to arrange a consultation01483 826 470