What legal recognition is absent if partners have cohabitated but are not married?

When partners cohabitate but are not married, the legal recognition that is typically absent is the specific legal obligations that usually accompany marriage. In a marriage, spouses have defined responsibilities toward each other, such as financial support, inheritance rights, and decision-making in medical or legal situations. Without the formal status of marriage, these obligations may not be automatically recognized by the law, which can lead to complexities and uncertainties in various situations such as property disputes or decision-making in emergencies.

While options such as assault charges and civil rights protections relate to criminal law and individual rights, they are not contingent upon marital status. Additionally, probation eligibility generally pertains to criminal convictions rather than the legal recognition of a personal relationship. Therefore, the absence of recognized legal obligations is the primary distinction for unmarried cohabiting partners compared to married couples.