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A smart woman's legal checklist before moving in with him

A smart woman’s legal checklist before moving in with him
A smart woman’s legal checklist before moving in with him (Photo: iStock)

In Kenya, love doesn’t automatically confer legal rights. Without marriage certificates or explicit cohabitation protections, courts can treat partners as strangers, leaving one vulnerable to financial loss, property disputes, and emotional hardship. According to Advocate Frank Oriku, a Family Law lawyer, under the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160, Laws of Kenya), succession rights are traditionally reserved for spouses and children, often excluding long-term cohabiting partners. To help women safeguard their interests, Frank provides a five-point checklist for smart cohabiting decisions:

1. Document your relationship status

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